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Croatian Journal of Infection, Vol. 41 No. 1, 2021.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.37797/ig.41.1.1

Preventing Healthcare-Associated Legionellosis with Rapid Reduction of High Concentrations of Legionella Using Mechanical Removal of Blind Ends and Intensive Hot Water Flushing

Alan Medić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0003-2637-8418 ; Department of Epidemiology, Zadar Institute of Public Health, Zadar, Croatia
Anamarija Jurčev-Savičević ; Teaching Public Health Institute of Split and Dalmatia County, Split, Croatia; University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Boris Dželalija ; Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Croatia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, Croatia
Dinko Puntarić ; Zagreb Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Ines Leto ; Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Croatia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, Croatia
Ivanka Matas ; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Zadar Institute of Public Health, Zadar, Croatia
Ljilja Balorda ; Department of Public Health, Zadar Institute of Public Health, Zadar, Croatia

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Abstract

Background: The aim of this paper was to present the effectiveness of the mechanical removal of blind ends and flushing of hot water systems at outlets as the only possible emergency measures to reduce the concentration of Legionella spp in hot water.
Methods: Two measures have been undertaken: mechanical removal of blind ends and intensive hot water flushing when the water has not been used for more than 7 days.
Results: We detected Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in concentration of 1.000- 55.000 CFU/L at all samples sites. In the control sampling, after three weeks, we found seven sampling sites negative for Legionella and only two sampling sites positive. All nine sampling sites were negative after ten weeks.
Conclusion: Establishing good water flow throughout the hospital seems to be the most important measure, in order to make the multiplication of Legionella in the hot water distribution systems unlikely.

Keywords

prevention; Legionella pneumophila; hospital; water flow

Hrčak ID:

262116

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/262116

Publication date:

18.6.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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