Universität zu Köln

Kruse, Eva-Brigitta, Wehner, Arno and Wisplinghoff, Hilmar (2016). Prevalence and distribution of Legionella spp in potable water systems in Germany, risk factors associated with contamination, and effectiveness of thermal disinfection. Am. J. Infect. Control, 44 (4). S. 470 - 475. NEW YORK: MOSBY-ELSEVIER. ISSN 1527-3296

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Abstract

Background: Worldwide, Legionella spp are a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Potable water systems are a main reservoir; however, exposure in the community is unknown. Methods: Water samples from 718 buildings in Germany were collected. Possible risk factors were prospectively recorded. All samples were tested for Legionellu spp using cultural microbiologic methods. Samples were assigned to 1 of 5 levels of contamination. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the influence of risk factors for contamination and, in a subgroup of buildings, for unsuccessful thermal disinfection. Results: In total, 4,482 water samples from 718 different water supply systems were analyzed. In 233 buildings (32.7%), Legionella spp were identified, 148 (63.5%) of which had a medium or higher level of contamination. The most common species was Legionella pnenalopinla (94%). Contamination was strongly associated with temperature in the circulation, but not with the size of the building, time of the year, or transport time to the laboratory. Thermal disinfection was successful in fewer than half of the buildings. Conclusions: There is relevant exposure to Legionella spp in the community. Water systems are not always up to current technical standards. Although microbiological risk assessment remains a challenge, there is a case for monitoring for Legionella spp outside of hospitals. 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Kruse, Eva-Brigitta UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Wehner, Arno UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Wisplinghoff, Hilmar UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-279877
DOI:	10.1016/j.ajic.2015.10.025
Journal or Publication Title:	Am. J. Infect. Control
Volume:	44
Number:	4
Page Range:	S. 470 - 475
Date:	2016
Publisher:	MOSBY-ELSEVIER
Place of Publication:	NEW YORK
ISSN:	1527-3296
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language DRINKING-WATER; LEGIONNAIRES-DISEASE Multiple languages Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Infectious Diseases Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/27987