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The Ecology and Survival of Legionella Pneumophila
Author(s) -
COLBOURNE J. S.,
DENNIS P. J.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.1989.tb01539.x
Subject(s) - legionella pneumophila , legionella , legionnaires' disease , water quality , water supply , biology , bacteria , water treatment , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , environmental engineering , environmental science , genetics
L. pneumophila serogroup 1 was detected in 12% of water sources used for the supply of drinking water in England in a survey carried out between September 1985 and June 1987. The bacterium, the causative agent of legionnaires' disease, was found more often in underground supplies in late summer–early autumn; the time of year when indigenous community‐acquired infections also increase in number. Using an immunofluorescent assay it was observed that L.pneumophila could survive conventional water treatment including disinfection with chlorine and, whilst being non‐culturable, retained its ability to colonize pipe surfaces and grow in the warmer water systems of buildings. Viability of non‐culturable legionella was demonstrated by heat shock. These findings confirm the importance of preserving water quality within buildings by good design, thorough maintenance, and careful operation of water systems, following the guidance issued by the Department of Health and the Health & Safety Executive.