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Updated: Sep 22, 2026
Purification of Pathogen Vacuoles from Legionella-infected Phagocytes
Published on: June 19, 2012
In situ colonization of polyvinyl chloride, brass, and copper by Legionella pneumophila
G Bezanson1, S Burbridge, D Haldane
1Department of Microbiology, Dalhousie University, halifax, N.S., Canada.
Abstract:
A sampling device (Robbins device) was used to expose brass, copper, and polyvinyl chloride plugs to potable water contaminated by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Plugs were removed at approximately 1-week intervals and cultured. The colonization rates were polyvinyl chloride, 70; copper, 31; and brass, 25%. Quantitative cultures revealed that polyvinyl chloride was most heavily colonized, whereas brass was least colonized. We conclude that materials used in plumbing systems are readily colonized by Legionella and that the Robbins device provides a means for testing such materials in an in situ setting.
Insights
Plumbing materials like polyvinyl chloride, copper, and brass are colonized by Legionella pneumophila. Polyvinyl chloride showed the highest colonization, while brass had the least, indicating material susceptibility to bacterial growth in water systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Materials Science in Plumbing
Background:
- Legionella pneumophila is a significant waterborne pathogen.
- Plumbing system materials can harbor microbial contaminants.
- Understanding material-specific colonization is crucial for water safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the colonization potential of different plumbing materials by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
- To assess the efficacy of the Robbins device for in situ material testing.
Main Methods:
- A Robbins device was used to expose brass, copper, and polyvinyl chloride plugs to contaminated potable water.
- Plugs were cultured at weekly intervals to determine colonization rates and density.
- Quantitative cultures were performed to assess bacterial load.
Main Results:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exhibited the highest colonization rate (70%) and bacterial load.
- Copper showed a colonization rate of 31%, and brass had the lowest rate (25%).
- Brass was found to be the least colonized material.
Conclusions:
- Materials commonly used in plumbing systems are susceptible to Legionella colonization.
- Significant differences in colonization exist among PVC, copper, and brass.
- The Robbins device is a viable tool for in situ assessment of material colonization in plumbing.
