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Legionellosis associated with artesian well excavation
G Miragliotta1, R Del Prete, R Sabato
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Bari, Italy.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Legionnaires' disease outbreaks can be linked to contaminated water sources. This study identifies high-pressure artesian well water as a likely reservoir and transmission route for Legionella pneumophila.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
- Excavation activities have been previously associated with Legionnaires' disease outbreaks.
Observation:
- Two employees in Apulia, Italy, were diagnosed with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in October 1990.
- Illness onset coincided with the emergence of artesian well water under high pressure during construction.
Findings:
- The specific circumstances of water emergence under high pressure were critical for infection.
- Artesian well water is identified as the most probable reservoir for Legionella pneumophila.
- Direct exposure to this pressurized water is indicated as the primary route of infection.
Implications:
- This finding highlights the risk of Legionnaires' disease associated with specific hydrogeological conditions.
- Water management strategies during well construction should consider potential aerosolization of Legionella.
- Further research into the environmental factors influencing Legionella transmission in such settings is warranted.