Abstract
The increase in legionellosis incidence in the general population in recent years calls for a better characterization of the sources of infection, such as showering. Water-efficient shower systems that use water-atomizing technology have been shown to emit slightly more inhalable particles in the range of bacterial sizes than the traditional systems; however, the actual rate of bacterial emission remains poorly documented. The aim of this study was to assess the aerosolisation rate of the opportunistic water pathogen Legionella pneumophila during showering with one shower system representative of each technology. To achieve this objective, we performed controlled experiments inside a glove box and determined the emitted dose and viability of airborne Legionella. The bioaerosols were sampled with a Coriolis® Delta air sampler and the total number of viable (cultivable and noncultivable) Legionella was determined by flow cytometry and culture. We found that the rate of viable and cultivable Legionella aerosolized from the water jet was similar between the two showerheads: the viable fraction represents 0.02% of the overall bacteria present in water, while the cultivable fraction corresponds to only 0.0005%. The two showerhead models emitted a similar ratio of airborne Legionella viable and cultivable per volume of water used. Therefore, the risk of exposure to Legionella is not expected to increase significantly with the new generation of water-efficient showerheads.
Highlights
Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is caused by the inhalation of water mists contaminated with Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila [1], and it represents a significant source of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide [2,3]
The efficiency of collecting bacteria after showering in the bag was supported by the similarity in the concentration of total bacteria observed in the water samples (TTC·mL−1 )
The impact of water technology on Legionella viability was determined by comparing the proportion of viable bacteria after passing through the shower system using water flow technology (STA) to that using water atomization technology (ECO)
Summary
Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is caused by the inhalation of water mists contaminated with Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila [1], and it represents a significant source of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide [2,3]. This disease often requires hospitalization of the patient and can be fatal for 5% to 10% of patients, even with antibiotic treatment [4–6]. In addition to causing this severe type of pneumonia, Legionella spp. are known to induce a less severe flu-like condition known as Pontiac. Legionella pneumophila colonization and persistence are mediated by biofilm formation, and survival within
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
