Determination of viable legionellae in engineered water systems: Do we find what we are looking for?

摘要: In developed countries, legionellae are one of the most important water-based bacterial pathogens caused by management failure engineered water systems. For routine surveillance in systems and outbreak investigations, cultivation-based standard techniques currently applied. However, many cases culture-negative results obtained despite presence viable legionellae, clinical legionellosis cannot be traced back to their respective contaminated source. Among various explanations for these discrepancies, but non-culturable (VBNC) Legionella cells has received increased attention recent discussions scientific literature. Alternative culture-independent methods detect quantify have been proposed order complement or even substitute culture method future. Such should VBNC provide a more comprehensive picture it is still unclear whether what extent hazardous human health. Current risk assessment models predict from concentrations investigated contain uncertainties mainly based on culture-based enumeration. If considered future analysis, quantitative including must proven result better estimates health than cultivation alone. This review critically evaluates current determine state, potential near future, summarizes knowledge threat that may pose