A cluster of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae linked to potting compost in Scotland, 2008-2009.

Three cases of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae Sg 1 associated with potting compost have been reported in Scotland between 2008 and 2009. The exact method of transmission is still not fully understood as Legionnaires' disease is thought to be acquired by droplet inhalation. The linked cases associated with compost exposure call for an introduction of compost labelling, as is already in place in other countries where L. longbeachae outbreaks have been reported. Legionella longbeachae has been rarely detected as the cause of respiratory illness in Scotland. Five cases have been reported in Scotland between 1995 and 2009 ( Health Protection Scotland: personal communication) However, it is a well recognised type in Australia and New Zealand, where cases have been epidemiologically associated with the use of potting compost. [1, 2]