The molecular ecology of legionellae.

Legionella pneumophila is the most highly characterized member of a genus of bacteria that survive as intracellular parasites of freshwater protozoa. These bacteria can also multiply intracellularly in human phagocytic cells and cause respiratory disease in humans. Comparison of the invasive strategies of L. pneumophila in mammalian and protozoan cells and study of the interactions between Legionella and protozoa should prove useful in development of strategies for the prevention of legionellosis.