Prevalence of Legionella in retirement homes and group homes water distribution systems.

摘要: Abstract Background Although historically the focus has been placed above all on hospital infections and travel-associated outbreaks, most of cases Legionella infection are sporadic occur in community-dwellers. Objectives To evaluate presence load hot water systems non-healthcare facilities that host closed communities. Furthermore, we tried to verify association between Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPCs) Legionella. Methods We collected biofilm samples from showerheads retirement homes group homes. Samples were tested by culture method for Confirmation identification carried out through Latex test PCR. determined HPCs at 22 37 °C pour plate method. Statistics performed STATA. Results 140 samples, 95 26 35 9 was found 36.8% only 10.3% homes' (p = 0.01). identified more frequently than (29.8% vs 16.9%); just one case pathogen only. L. pneumophila sg 1 isolated (65.8%), with an average 2720 CFU/L (SD = 8393 CFU/L). have often noticed a high microbial contamination (67% >200 CFU/mL) higher prevalence intermediate values HPC 22 °C (p = 0.011). 32% people hosted exposed Conclusions Colonization water-systems is anything but occasional, our survey it mainly affects former, moreover due 1. The search proved be little use. relationship deserves further studies.