About this Research Topic

Background

Legionella pneumophila is a water-borne pathogen widely responsible for Legionnaires' disease in human. L. pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen capable of replicating within alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. While there is no human-to-human transmission, this pathogen, widely found lakes, creeks and hot springs are generally transmitted through poorly maintained water systems such as water taps, ice machines, spas, hydrotherapy treatment pools, showers and air conditioning. In such human-made water systems, L. pneumophila forms complex biofilm structures making them capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions. Legionnaires' disease presents both as pneumonic and non-pneumonic forms (Pontiac disease). The main symptoms include fever, cough, chills, loss of appetite, myalgia, and headache. There are no vaccines available for the disease and the current treatment includes a general course of antibiotics.

There are continuous and ongoing efforts in understanding the structural features and mode of action of these pathogens vital in driving scientific discovery towards prevention and treatment strategies against these infections. Through this research topic, we aim to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of Legionella pneumophila and its importance to design better drug and treatment modalities.

The current Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific findings on these pathogens in the following areas:

1. Mode of transmission between the hosts.
2. Pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms developed by the species.
3. Host-pathogen interaction and immune evasion mechanisms.
4. Prevention strategies to stem the infection.
5. Novel treatment strategies against the infection.

Keywords: Legionella pneumophilia, Transmission, Pathogenesis, Host-pathogen interaction, Prevention and Treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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