Strains of Legionella
Legionella, like other disease causing bacteria, have several different strains of itself. Legionella just so happens to have over fifty different strains, or species. Three strains of Legionella stand out amongst the others: Legionella pneumophila, Legionella longbeachae, and Legionella micdadei.
Legionella pneumophila by far the most deadly out the strains previously mentioned. This strain leads to the Legionellosis disease. Legionella longbeachae is a very rare strain of Legionella and is primarily found in Long Beach, California. Unlike other strains, this strain of Legionella is mostly found in soil and composts. This strain, like the others, is not contagious through contact with other humans or organisms but can be contracted by having poor sanitary conditions, such as failing to wash hands after dealing with soil. People are also more susceptible to Legionella longbeachae if they are long term smokers and have a weakened immune system. Lastly, Legionella micdadei is a strain that is able to stain acid-fast. Acid-fast is a bacteria's ability to resist staining during a staining procedure.
Some other strains of Legionella are:
- Legionella anisa
- Legionella feeleii
- Legionella geestiana
- Legionella impletisoli
- Legionella moravica
- Legionella lytica
- Legionella nautarum
- Legionella waltersii
Legionella pneumophila by far the most deadly out the strains previously mentioned. This strain leads to the Legionellosis disease. Legionella longbeachae is a very rare strain of Legionella and is primarily found in Long Beach, California. Unlike other strains, this strain of Legionella is mostly found in soil and composts. This strain, like the others, is not contagious through contact with other humans or organisms but can be contracted by having poor sanitary conditions, such as failing to wash hands after dealing with soil. People are also more susceptible to Legionella longbeachae if they are long term smokers and have a weakened immune system. Lastly, Legionella micdadei is a strain that is able to stain acid-fast. Acid-fast is a bacteria's ability to resist staining during a staining procedure.
Some other strains of Legionella are:
- Legionella anisa
- Legionella feeleii
- Legionella geestiana
- Legionella impletisoli
- Legionella moravica
- Legionella lytica
- Legionella nautarum
- Legionella waltersii
Legionella pnuemophila
