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Colonization of components of a model hot water system by Legionella pneumophila
Author(s) -
SCHOFIELD GERALDINE M.,
Locci R.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of applied bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 0021-8847
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1985.tb01442.x
Subject(s) - colonization , legionella pneumophila , legionella , microbiology and biotechnology , environmental science , biology , bacteria , genetics
A model hot water distribution network was seeded with a virulent strain of Legionella pneumophila serotype 1. Ten weeks after inoculation, components of the system, which include aluminium discs, copper, stainless steel, silicone tubing, rubber and glass beads, were examined for colonization by L. pneumophila. The samples were stained with fluorescein‐labelled antibodies to the strain and were examined with scanning electron microscopy. Colonization, which was accompanied by copious quantities of a slime‐like debris, was heaviest on the rubber and least on the copper. Adherence to silicone tubing and stainless steel was observed.