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Legionella Contamination of Domestic Hot Water in a Tertiary Level Hospital and Resulting Introduction of Control Measure, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815660/9781555813901_Chap115-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815660/9781555813901_Chap115-2.gifAbstract:
This chapter analyzes variables in the rebuilding program resulting in Legionella in the domestic hot water system (DHWS), legionella monitoring of water and air-conditioning systems, and systems implemented to control contamination. Standard methods for Legionella culture of environmental samples and identification of isolates were followed for both water samples and swabs from showerheads. The Infection Control Committee advised the clinical staff to test patients with possible nosocomial pneumonia for Legionella pneumophila sg 1 infection by urine antigen tests. Environmental culture found many sites positive for L. pneumophila sg 1 including feed water to the calorifiers and a sample taken just after tempering of the water exiting the calorifier. The peripheral contamination with L. pneumophila sg 1 was discovered within months, but when a patient was recognized as possibly being infected, extensive changes to the DHWS were carried out. A UV irradiation plant was installed near the exit of the cold water tanks to reduce further colonization.