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Review of Legionnaires' disease
B G Shelton1, W Kerbel, L Witherell
1PathCon Laboratories, Norcross, GA 30092, USA.
AIHAJ : a Journal for the Science of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
|November 9, 2000
Summary
Prevent Legionnaires
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Building water systems
Background:
- Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria.
- Transmission occurs through inhaling contaminated water droplets.
- Manmade building water systems are common sources of Legionella amplification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To guide industrial hygienists in preventing Legionnaires' disease.
- To outline strategies for controlling Legionella amplification in building water systems.
Main Methods:
- Understanding building water systems and their components.
- Implementing effective water maintenance and treatment protocols.
- Conducting systematic microbiological testing for Legionella.
Main Results:
- Primary prevention relies on preventing Legionella amplification.
- Maintenance and treatment alone may not prevent amplification.
- Microbiological testing aids in detecting and controlling amplification.
Conclusions:
- A combination of system knowledge, maintenance, treatment, and testing is crucial.
- Prompt intervention and decontamination are necessary for outbreak management.
- Ongoing monitoring ensures continued prevention of Legionella amplification.