Which organism is the etiologic agent of Pontiac fever?

Which organism is the etiologic agent of Pontiac fever?

• A. Swine fever
• B. Legionella pneumophila
• C. Rift Valley fever
• D. San Joaquin Valley fever

Answer: (B)

Pontiac fever is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that thrives in water systems and can become airborne in aerosols from things like showers, cooling towers, and hot tubs. Inhalation of these contaminated aerosols leads to a mild, flu-like illness with fever and malaise but without pneumonia. This distinguishes it from Legionnaires’ disease, which presents with pneumonia and is typically more severe, especially in older or immunocompromised individuals. The other listed diseases arise from unrelated pathogens (viruses or fungi) and do not cause Pontiac fever.

Pontiac fever is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that thrives in water systems and can become airborne in aerosols from things like showers, cooling towers, and hot tubs. Inhalation of these contaminated aerosols leads to a mild, flu-like illness with fever and malaise but without pneumonia. This distinguishes it from Legionnaires’ disease, which presents with pneumonia and is typically more severe, especially in older or immunocompromised individuals. The other listed diseases arise from unrelated pathogens (viruses or fungi) and do not cause Pontiac fever.