Legionella control in a tertiary care hospital in Italy: adapting solutions to changing scenarios

• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.521
• Publication Date: 2019-11-13T20:25:30Z
• Authors: G Noberasco; A Battaglini; F Grammatico; M Zacconi; A Battistini; V Daturi; D De Florentis; A Borneto; A Morando; A Orsi
• Keywords: Legionella

Abstract Background Legionella contamination of hospital water distribution system still remains a critical issue in healthcare settings, despite the disputed relationship between environmental legionella and hospital-acquired legionellosis. We report experience our 1200-beds hospital, where new safety plan (WSP) has been applied since 2017, results obtained with application different methods to control contamination, especially areas. Methods Policlinico San Martino is referral tertiary acute-care university Liguria region, North-West Italy. It’s made 21 buildings dimensions, 7 which host high risk patients, according Italian Guidelines for legionellosis prevention control. A sampling detection was implemented focusing on network points. Different secondary disinfection procedures were used, including systemic (chlorine dioxide, monochloramine), focal (point-of-use filtration) short-term (hyperchlorination), last case higher than 10^4 CFU/l. Results Respectively, during 2017 2018 total 201 119 hot samples collected, distributed among hospital. Negative raised from 69.7% 74.8%, while positive >10^3 CFU/l (recommended cut-off acute guidelines) lowered 21.9% 9.2% samples. Out 55 samples, sg 3 accounted 98.2% total. Conclusions The WSP determined significant reduction networks buildings. continuous surveillance points provided evidence elaborate an effective protocol routine extraordinary interventions, as result close collaboration hygiene unit engineering technical services. Key messages implementation areas allow us reduce infection. Continuous cultures drinking detect are necessary adapt local results.