Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model Organism to Study Legionella pneumophila Infection
Published on: November 22, 2013
Legionella longbeachae and legionellosis
Harriet Whiley1, Richard Bentham
1Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Reported cases of legionellosis attributable to Legionella longbeachae infection have increased worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, L. longbeachae has been a known cause of legionellosis since the late 1980s. All cases for which a source was confirmed were associated with potting mixes and composts. Unlike the situation with other Legionella spp., L. longbeachae-contaminated water systems in the built environment that cause disease have not been reported. Spatially and temporally linked outbreaks of legionellosis associated with this organism also have not been reported. Sporadic cases of disease seem to be limited to persons who have had direct contact with potting soil or compost. Long-distance travel of the organism resulting in infection has not been reported. These factors indicate emergence of an agent of legionellosis that differs in etiology from other species and possibly in route of disease transmission.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Atypical Pneumonia
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Cholera
Reservoir of Infection
Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria
