Test code links throughout this Guide refer to the corresponding test in the User's Guide. Standard reference procedures for Legionella culture and identification. Pontiac fever, a nonpneumonic, influenza-like illness. Legionnaires' disease results from exposures to aerosols generated from water sources containing the organism, is more common in men than women, and is more prevalent during the summer months.
Pontiac fever is a self-limiting, febrile illness usually affecting healthy individuals.
Of the 40 known species of Legionella , L. pneumophila is the major pathogen, and is the most commonly encountered member of the group in the clinical laboratory. The organisms are nutritionally fastidious, nonsporeforming, aerobic, gram-negative, slender rods. Legionella pneumophila staining reagent, which contains a single monoclonal antibody that is labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. This antibody reacts with a protein present in the outer membrane of all known serogroups of L. pneumophila . Baron EJ, et al, eds.