Journal Article

Print(0)

American Journal of Infection Control

Am.J.Infect.Control

1992/

20

6

305

309

0196-6553

Unknown(0)

Background: Water distribution systems have been demonstrated to be a major source of nosocomial legionellosis. We describe an outbreak in our institution in which a novel source of Legionella pneumophila was identified in the plumbing system. Methods: After an outbreak of 10 cases of legionellosis in our hospital, recommended measures including superheating of the hot water to 80° C, hyperchlorination to 2 ppm, and flushing resulted in no new cases in the following 5 years. Recently, despite these control measures, three new cases occurred. Surveillance cultures of shower heads and water tanks were negative; cultures of tap water samples remained positive. This prompted a search for another reservoir. Shock absorbers installed within water pipes to decrease noise were suspected. Results: One hundred twenty-five shock absorbers were removed and cultured. A total of 13 (10%) yielded heavy growth of L. pneumophila (serogroup 1). Since their removal, no new cases have been found and the percentage of positive results of random tap water culture has dropped from 20% to 5%. Conclusions: This is the first report that identifies shock absorbers as a possible reservoir for L. pneumophila. We recommend that institutions with endemic legionellosis assess the water system for possible removal of shock absorbers.

article, bacterium culture, chlorination, clinical article, hospital infection, human, infection prevention, Legionella pneumophila, legionnaire disease, water supply

Embase; MEDLINE

Embase

Memish,Z. A., Oxley,C., Contant,J., Garber,G. E.

Garber, G.E., Division of infectious Diseases, Ottawa General Hospital, Ottawa, Ont. K1H 8L6, Canada

http://vp9py7xf3h.search.serialssolutions.com/?charset=utf-8&pmid=

1992