Is it true that only the species Pneumophila has been linked to Legionnaires' disease in the United States?

Legionnaires' disease is primarily associated with the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, particularly its serogroup 1, which is the most commonly identified cause of cases worldwide. However, it is important to note that there are other species of Legionella that have also been implicated in Legionnaires' disease. For example, species such as Legionella longbeachae, Legionella micdadei, and others have been reported to cause infections. This broader spectrum of Legionella species demonstrates that the disease can be associated with multiple pathogens, not solely limited to Legionella pneumophila.

Thus, the assertion that only Legionella pneumophila is linked to Legionnaires' disease in the United States is inaccurate. The recognition of various Legionella species as potential causes highlights the complexity and variability in the epidemiology of the disease, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive assessments and management strategies within plumbing systems to mitigate the risk of all Legionella species.