Legionella pneumophila is commonly found in a wide variety of aquatic environments including both natural bodies of water and manmade water systems such as industrial cooling water systems. Cooling towers, showers, spas, pools, faucets and potable water systems that circulate contaminated water are capable of producing a potentially lethal aerosol.
The elevated water temperature, moisture, increased oxygen tension, and nutrients provide a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms including L. These conditions promote the development of complex biofilm communities in which L. One effective treatment strategy is the application of continuous chlorination or if the situation permits it, intermittent feed of chlorine to achieve a free chlorine residual.
Sources of chlorine can be gaseous chlorine, but because of safety concerns and reporting requirements, a liquid sodium hypochlorite solution of Liquid sodium hypochlorite is commonly the most cost effective source for the chlorine.
CDC developed a toolkit to help building owners and managers develop and implement a water management program. Home and car air-conditioning units do not use water to cool the air, so they are not a risk for Legionella growth. Legionella grows best in warm water, like the water temperatures used in hot tubs. Warm temperatures also make it hard to keep disinfectants, such as chlorine, at the levels needed to kill germs like Legionella. The levels of disinfectants and other chemicals in hot tubs should be checked regularly and hot tubs should be cleaned as recommended by the manufacturer.
Learn how you can test the water before you use a hot tub and questions you should ask your hot tub operator to determine whether or not a hot tub has been properly maintained:.
Legionnaires' disease can be a problem in hospitals and nursing homes, where germs can spread easily and people are vulnerable to infection. Outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease are preventable, but prevention requires water management systems in buildings that ensure that water is monitored and cleaned regularly.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Murdoch D, et al. Microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of Legionella infection. Accessed Aug. Legionella Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jameson JL, et al. Legionella infections.
0コメント