An Insight into the Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Host Cell Biology of Legionella Pneumophila: A Review of Literature

Jehan Alrahimi ^1,2, Alia Aldahlawi^1,2, Shahira Hassoubah¹, Saeedah Al-Jadani ³, Walaa Alyamani ¹ and Najla Alotaibi ^1,2*

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding Author E-mail: najlabio@hotmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/3010

ABSTRACT: Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a type of severe pneumonia that mainly caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella. LD bacteria reside in the water systems of facilities where lack of water exchange or flow plays a crucial role in enhancing bacterial growth. The under-recognition of the dangers of Legionella along with easing of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions and global reopening, pose a potential increased risk of developing LD. Various Legionella species can lead to legionellosis infections, including LD and Pontiac fever. Legionellosis cases is generally found in natural or artificial aquatic environments such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, or air conditioning. The bacteria elude the host’s immune responses by various strategies, including releasing effector proteins. Thus, this review provides insight into the microbiology, epidemiology, and host cell biology of L. pneumophila, as well as an emphasis on the bacterial novel survival strategies of L. pneumophila. Also, suggests taking intensive actions towards closed buildings as a potential source of bacterial infection.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19 restrictions; Epidemiology;Legionnaires' disease; Legionella pneumophila; T4SS, LCV

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