Microbiology Mystery at the Playboy Mansion!
February 2011
Several days after attending a pool party hosted at the legendary Playboy Mansion, over one hundred guests became ill complaining of respiratory problems, flu-like symptoms, and pneumonia. One guest suspected that a fog machine used indoors at the party may have been involved.
Can you name the warm water loving bacteria that when aerosolized can lead to a flu-like illness and potentially pneumonia?
Hint: "You should have seen what I cysteine in the grotto!"
What’s your guess?
Legionella pneumophila
Key Features
- Facultative intracellular Gram (-) Bacteria
- Transmission is via aerosols - the inhalation of mist droplets containing the bacteria.
- This bacteria grows best in warm water.
- Sources include:
o central air conditioners
o hot water tanks
o humidifiers
o water fountains
o swimming pools
o hot tubs
o lakes and streams
- May occur as epidemics
- Community-acquired pneumonia (4th most common causative organism)
- Requires cysteine and iron to be present for culture
- Silver stain positive
Note: “Legionellosis” = Pontiac fever and/or Legionnaires disease
Pontiac fever
- Mild self-limited form
- Flu-like illness with fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and a dry cough.
- Doesn’t develop into pneumonia
Legionnaires disease
- Severe form
- Risk factors are
o Immunosuppression
o Smokers with COPD
o Advanced age
- Clinical Features
o Atypical pneumonia
o High fever and chills
o Chest pain
o Watery diarrhea
o Nausea and vomiting
o Headaches and confusion