Legionnaires disease: history of the discovery, the main stages of the study pathogen and infection

The article discusses main directions and stages of the 45 years of Legionnaires disease study. Analysis of epidemiology and laboratory diagnostics of infection show as unknown until 1976 microorganism occupied a notable niche in the etiology of severe pneumonia. Control and monitoring of potential dangerous water systems, generating water aerosol containing Legionella in high concentration, plays a major role in the prevention of Legionnaires disease.