Original scientific paper
HYGIENE MEASURES AND MICROBIOLOGICAL INDICATORS AS FACTORS RELATED TO THE COLONIZATION WITH LEGIONELLA SPP. IN AIR CONDITIONING DEVICES
Amina Vukotić
orcid.org/0009-0001-0034-8328
; „Eman“ export-import Ltd., 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
*
Adna Mesihović
orcid.org/0000-0002-3134-1786
; University „Vitez“, 72 270 Travnik, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Amela Semić
; AS Holding Ltd., business quality and sustainable development, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sead Karakaš
; Public Health Institute of Middle-Bosnia Canton, 72 270 Travnik, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Maida Mulić
; Public Health Institute of Tuzla Canton, 75 000 Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Legionella spp. represents a significant public health concern due to its association with water and air-conditioning systems.
Goal: The objective of the study was to determine the presence of Legionella spp. on the surfaces of air- conditioning devices in public buildings using the wet swab method. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relationship between the implementation of hygiene measures and the presence of Legionella spp., as well as the association between aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria, and the presence of Legionella spp. Additionally, one of the objectives was to determine the concentrations of the investigated microorganisms and to assess their association with the presence of Legionella spp. in air-conditioning devices.
Methods: The research was conducted in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Air- conditioners devices in 62 public buildings were included in the study. The collection of samples was carried out from 2023 to 2024. In total, 119 samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The samples were microbiologically analyzed for Legionella, aerobic mesophilic bacteria and enterobacteria using appropriate laboratory methods. A survey was also conducted in the investigated facilities (N=62).
Results: Legionella spp. was detected in 12 (19%) facilities and isolated in 19 (16%) samples. It was found that the likelihood of the presence of Legionella spp. was lower when disinfection was performed using chlorine (p < 0.05). Legionella spp. was isolated in one (2.4%) sample, which was negative for aerobic mesophilic bacteria (p < 0.05), while no enterobacteria were isolated in four (9.3%) samples, and the findings were positive for Legionella spp. (p < 0.05). In the group of samples in which Legionella spp. was isolated, the concentrations of both analyzed pathogens were higher compared to the other group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the hygienic condition of air-conditioning is associated with the presence of Legionella spp. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for the establishment of a clearly defined regulatory framework for the hygienic maintenance, control, and monitoring of air-conditioning devices in public buildings, with the aim of strengthening preventive measures.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
348392
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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