Abstract
The purpose of this study is to report the experience of the implementation and application of a 3-year Water Safety Plan (WSP) together with the secondary disinfection of water by monochloramine to control and prevent healthcare-associated legionellosis in an Italian hospital strongly colonized by Legionella. Risk assessment was carried out by the WSP team. The main critical control points focused on in developing the WSP for the control of Legionella was the water distribution system. A sampling plan for the detection of Legionella was implemented. A widespread contamination of the hot water distribution system by L. pneumophila sg5 was found. Results after 3 years of the continuous disinfection of hot water with monochloramine indicate the eradication of Legionella. The implementation and application of a WSP in a hospital, together with the disinfection of the water distribution system with monochloramine, can be effective in controlling the growth of Legionella and in preventing nosocomial legionellosis.
Highlights
Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative bacterium of public health interest for its ubiquitous presence in natural aquatic environments worldwide and for its ability to cause severe pneumonia and other infections
For the reasons reported above, the purpose of this study is to report the experience of the implementation and application of a 3-year Water Safety Plan (WSP) together with the secondary disinfection of water by MC to control and prevent healthcare-associated legionellosis in an Italian hospital strongly colonized by Legionella
The present article outlines the process involved in developing a WSP to control and prevent nosocomial legionellosis in an Italian hospital whose domestic hot water, heavily contaminated with
Summary
Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative bacterium of public health interest for its ubiquitous presence in natural aquatic environments worldwide and for its ability to cause severe pneumonia and other infections. The bacterium replicates in water systems at an optimal temperature of. When inside amoeba or in biofilms, Legionella can resist chlorination and colonize artificial hot and cold-water supply systems [1]. L. pneumophila and its related species is the causative agent of legionellosis, which varies in severity from a mild febrile illness—the so-called Pontiac fever—to an acute and sometimes life-threatening pneumonia—the Legionnaire’s disease. It can occur as a nosocomial or travel-associated infection, sporadically or as part of an outbreak [3]
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