Chlorine Inactivation of Elizabethkingia spp. in Water.

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Clinical microbiology
• Water disinfection

Background:

• Elizabethkingia anophelis and E. meningoseptica are emerging opportunistic pathogens.
• These bacteria have been isolated from diverse clinical and environmental sources, including water systems.
• Biofilm formation in plumbing poses a challenge for pathogen control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of free chlorine for inactivating Elizabethkingia bacterial strains.
• To determine the susceptibility of Elizabethkingia species to chlorine-based disinfection.
• To highlight the need for controlling Elizabethkingia in water systems.

Main Methods:

• Chlorine inactivation experiments were conducted.
• Clinical and environmental isolates of Elizabethkingia anophelis and E. meningoseptica were used.
• Free chlorine concentration and contact time (CT) values were systematically varied.

Main Results:

• A free chlorine concentration × contact time (CT) value below 0.04 mg·min/L achieved 99.9% inactivation of Elizabethkingia species.
• The results demonstrate significant susceptibility of Elizabethkingia to free chlorine.
• These findings indicate that chlorine disinfection is a viable method for controlling Elizabethkingia in water.

Conclusions:

• Elizabethkingia species are effectively inactivated by free chlorine at low CT values.
• Controlling biofilm-producing pathogens, such as Elizabethkingia, in plumbing systems is essential.
• Preventive measures targeting water systems are necessary to mitigate Elizabethkingia-related infections.