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Legionellosis acquired through a dental unit: a case study
C Schönning1, C Jernberg2, D Klingenberg2
1Department of Surveillance and Coordination, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Sweden.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|February 24, 2017
Summary
A patient contracted legionellosis from a hospital dental unit, a rare transmission route. This case highlights the risk of Legionella bacteria in dental water systems, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Legionellosis is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
- Hospital-acquired infections pose significant risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- An elderly, immunocompromised patient died from legionellosis after visiting a hospital dental ward.
- Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was identified in the patient and the dental unit's cupfiller outlet at 2000 CFU/L.
Findings:
- Genetic analysis (PFGE and WGS) confirmed the isolates from the patient and dental unit were of common origin.
- This case provides strong evidence of legionellosis transmission via a dental unit water system.
Implications:
- Dental water systems can be a source of Legionella transmission, necessitating stringent infection control measures.
- Enhanced surveillance and disinfection protocols are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent healthcare-associated legionellosis.
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