You Are an RN Working in the Emergency Department (ED)

You are an RN working in the emergency department (ED) at a major hospital in New York City. During one shift, you see two patients who are exhibiting coughing with blood-containing sputum, and shortness of breath. Both patients report that they have experienced headaches, muscle aches, high fever, confusion, and shaking chills in the days preceding their ED visit. One of the patients also has some digestive tract symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. You discover that the patients live in the same apartment building, although they do not know each other. You suspect that they have a type of pneumonia, and given the circumstances, think it may be legionellosis. You read up on this disease to refresh your memory about it.
-Which of the following is the causative agent of legionellosis?

A) Legionella pneumophila, a fastidious Gram-negative rod.
B) Legionella pneumophila, an aerobic, Gram-positive rod.
C) Mycoplasma legionella, a pleomorphic, poorly staining coccus.
D) Acanthamoeba legionella, an acid-fast, anaerobic spirillum.
E) Acanthamoeba species, a freshwater protozoan.