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The persistence of Legionella pneumophila in non‐sterile, sterile and artificial hard waters and their growth pattern on tap washer fittings
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.tb03355.x
Subject(s) - legionella pneumophila , tap water , legionella , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , washer , biofouling , colonization , chemistry , bacteria , environmental engineering , environmental science , genetics , membrane
Simultaneous experiments were performed with sterilized and non‐sterile water and an artificial hard water. After seeding with an environmental isolate of Legionella pneumophila numbers in the sterile land hard water decreased rapidly and colonization of various tap washer fittings failed to take place. Adhesion and growth of an environmental isolate of L. pneumophila to washers in non‐sterile tap water was followed over a 4‐month period with fluorescein‐labelled antibody and by scanning electron microscopy. After adherence the individual cells appeared to divide to form chains which spread over the surfaces. Organisms other than legionellas were also present and a complex colonization matt was formed which was embedded in a protective coat of slime and debris. The numbers of L. pneumophila recovered from the water were highest between 4 and 7 weeks but they could still be cultivated after 4 months.

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