Legionella wadsworthii

Legionella wadsworthii

Legionella wadsworthii is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. It is a Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that is commonly found in freshwater environments. This species was first identified and named after Dr. David Wadsworth, an American microbiologist, in 1981.

Taxonomy

Legionella wadsworthii belongs to the family Legionellaceae, which is a group of bacteria known for causing Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. It is classified under the genus Legionella, which comprises over 60 species. The species name "wadsworthii" is in honor of Dr. David Wadsworth, who made significant contributions to the field of microbiology.

Habitat and Distribution

Legionella wadsworthii is commonly found in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It thrives in warm water temperatures, typically between 25 to 42 degrees Celsius. This bacterium can also survive in man-made water systems, including hot water tanks, cooling towers, and plumbing systems.

The distribution of Legionella wadsworthii is widespread, and it has been reported in various countries around the world. However, its prevalence and abundance may vary depending on the geographical location and environmental conditions.

Pathogenicity

While Legionella wadsworthii is a member of the Legionella genus, it is not considered a major human pathogen. Unlike other species within the genus, such as Legionella pneumophila, which is the primary cause of Legionnaires' disease, L. wadsworthii is rarely associated with human infections.

However, studies have shown that L. wadsworthii can still cause respiratory infections in susceptible individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems. It is important to note that the risk of infection from L. wadsworthii is generally low compared to other more pathogenic species of Legionella.

Prevention and Control

To prevent the growth and transmission of Legionella wadsworthii, it is crucial to implement proper water management practices. Regular maintenance and cleaning of water systems, including disinfection and temperature control, can help reduce the risk of bacterial colonization.

Monitoring and testing water sources for the presence of Legionella bacteria, including L. wadsworthii, is also essential. This can be done through culture-based methods or more advanced molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

See Also

• Legionella
• Legionnaires' disease
• Pontiac fever