What is the definition or description of: legionella?

Bacteria: Legionella is a bacterium that is normally associated with water - air conditioning towers, fountains, hot tubs. This bacteria is associated with legionnaire's disease as well as the milder pontiac fever.

Bacterial infection: Legionella is a bacterium that causes pneumonia & was first recognized in an outbreak at a meeting of american legion in 1976 (hence the name). It usually lives in water & spreads through air conditioning, air duct systems, hot water tanks etc. It can cause legionnaire's disease & pontiac fever. Effective treatment is available with antibiotics.