We present the genomic sequence of the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila serogroup 12 strain 570-CO-H (ATCC 43290), a clinical isolate from the Colorado Department of Health, Denver, CO. This is the first example of a genome sequence of L. pneumophila from a serogroup other than serogroup 1. We highlight the similarities and differences relative to six genome sequences that have been reported for serogroup 1 strains.
We present the genomic sequence of Legionella pneumophila, the bacterial agent of Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal pneumonia acquired from aerosolized contaminated fresh water. The genome includes a 45-kilobase pair element that can exist in chromosomal and episomal forms, selective expansions of important gene families, genes for unexpected metabolic pathways, and previously unknown candidate virulence determinants. We highlight the genes that may account for Legionella's ability to survive in protozoa, mammalian macrophages, and inhospitable environmental niches and that may define new therapeutic targets.