Treatment, Prevention and Control - Legionella pneumophila Infections

Treatment

Erythromycin or tetracycline is useful for treatment of community-acquired infections. Fluoroquinolones, such as doxycycline, telithromycin, and azithromycin, are recom-mended for treatment of severe cases. Beta-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycosides are not useful.

Prevention and Control

Hyperchlorination of water and superheating of water to 70–80°C has proved to be of value in preventing the disease. Complete elimination of bacteria from water, however, is difficult.