本文综述了退伍军人病的临床症状，描述了嗜肺军团菌的自然和人工栖息地，并对各种消毒方法进行了评估。尽管排热装置（冷却塔和蒸发冷凝器）与退伍军人病的暴发有关，但最近的证据表明，饮用水分配系统是嗜肺军团菌的主要蓄水池。吸入含有该生物体的气溶胶、通过呼吸道医疗操作将该生物体滴入肺部以及将污染水吸入肺部是嗜肺L.菌最可能的传播方式。处理方法包括高氯化、热根除、臭氧氧化和紫外线照射。包括72篇参考文献、图表。

This article reviews the clinical symptoms of legionnaires' disease, describes the natural and man-made habitats of Legionella pneumophila, and evaluates various disinfection methods. Although heat rejection devices (cooling towers and evaporative condensers) have been linked to outbreaks of legionnaires' disease, recent evidence suggests that potable water distribution systems are the primary reservoirs of L. pneumophila. Inhalation of aerosols containing the organism, instillation of the organism into the lung via medical maneuvers of the respiratory tract, and aspiration of contaminated water into the lung are the most likely modes of transmission of L. pneumophila. Treatment methodologies include hyperchlorination, thermal eradication, ozonation, and ultraviolet light irradiation. Includes 72 references, figures.