Restaurant outbreak of Legionnaires' disease associated with a decorative fountain: an environmental and case-control study

A review of Legionella transmission risk in built environments: sources, regulations, sampling, and detection

The risk of Legionella transmission in built environments remains a significant concern. Legionella can spread within buildings through aerosol transmission, prompting the exploration of airborne transmission pathways and proposing corresponding prevention and control measures based on building characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive literature review on the transmission risk of Legionella in built environments was performed. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI) were searched from inception to March 2024 for publications reporting the risk of Legionella transmission in built environments. Relevant articles and gray literature reports were hand-searched, and 96 studies were finally included. Legionella pollution comes from various sources, mainly originates in a variety of built environments in which human beings remain for extended periods. The sources, outbreaks, national standards, regulations, and monitoring techniques for Legionella in buildings are reviewed, in addition to increases in Legionella transmission risk due to poor maintenance of water systems and long-distance transmission events caused by aerosol characteristics. Air and water sampling using various analytical methods helps identify Legionella in the environment, recognize sources in the built environments, and control outbreaks. By comparing the standard regulations of national organizations globally, the authors further highlight gaps and deficiencies in Legionella surveillance in China. Such advancements offer essential insights and references for understanding and addressing Legionella transmission risk in the built environment, with the potential to contribute to safeguarding public health and building environment safety.

Surveillance of Legionella spp. in Open Fountains: Does It Pose a Risk?

Clusters of outbreaks or cases of legionellosis have been linked to fountains. The function of fountains, along with their inadequate design and poor sanitation, in combination with the warm Mediterranean climate, can favor the proliferation of Legionella in water systems. Public fountains in Mediterranean cities may pose a significant risk for public health due to the aerosolization of water. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted on Legionella and the risk of infection in humans through fountains. In our study, the presence and quantity of Legionella spp. in fifteen external public fountains were investigated. Two samplings were performed in two different periods (dry and wet). Sixty samples were collected, quantified and analyzed with a culture ISO method. The operation of all fountains was evaluated twice using a standardized checklist. In accordance with their operation, a ranking factor (R factor) was suggested. Finally, based on these results, a quantitative microbial risk assessment was performed. Thirty water samples taken from the fountains (100%) during the dry sampling period were positive for Legionella (mean log concentration: 3.64 ± 0.45 cfu/L), whereas 24 water samples taken from the fountains during the wet period were Legionella-positive (mean log concentration: 2.36 ± 1.23 cfu/L). All fountains were classified as unsatisfactory according to the checklist for the evaluation of their function. A statistically significant correlation was found between Legionella concentration and the assessment score. The risk of Legionella infection was estimated in both periods, with higher risk in the dry period. The surveillance and risk assessment of Legionella spp. in the fountains of Patras confirmed a high prevalence and a high risk to public health.

GVPC Medium Manufactured without Oxygen Improves the Growth of Legionella spp. and Exhibits Enhanced Selectivity Properties

Glycine-vancomycin-polymyxin-cycloheximide agar (GVPC) is a recommended medium for the detection of Legionella spp. in water samples. However, its quality could be improved in terms of recovery of Legionella spp. and selectivity properties. Modifications were introduced in GVPC manufacture: autoclaving conditions (115°C, 15 min) and atmosphere during component-stirring (removal of oxygen and N₂ injection). The use of softer autoclaving conditions (115°C, 15 min) improved the growth of Legionella anisa by the spiral method and Legionella pneumophila after membrane filtration. The medium manufactured with O₂ removal and autoclaving for 15 min at 115°C allowed a faster growth of L. pneumophila (colonies visible at day 2) and a notable increase of L. anisa growth (colonies appearing at day 3, and statistically significant numbers of CFU at day 5). After 3 to 5 days of incubation, the improved media showed higher selectivity properties, particularly for Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. A further improvement was achieved by the addition of N₂ during ingredient stirring, leading to a statistically significant faster growth of L. pneumophila at days 2 and 3 and L. anisa at day 3. Selectivity properties were also enhanced, resulting in the complete inhibition of both E. faecalis strains and Escherichia coli and complete-partial inhibition of P. aeruginosa. Oxygen removal during GVPC manufacture using a vacuum pump system promotes the growth of L. pneumophila and L. anisa, and markedly inhibits the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. faecalis. IMPORTANCE Currently, GVPC is a recommended medium for the detection of Legionella spp. in water samples. However, recovery of Legionella spp. and selectivity properties can be improved. GVPC medium manufactured without oxygen improved the growth of Legionella pneumophila and Legionella anisa. Oxygen removal during GVPC manufacture also improved selectivity properties. A further improvement was achieved by the addition of N₂ during ingredient stirring, leading to a faster growth of L. pneumophila at days 2 and 3 and L. anisa at day 3 and enhancement of selectivity properties. The introduction of the modified GVPC medium in routine practice can allow a better detection of Legionella spp. in water samples.

Practitioners’ Perspective on the Prevalent Water Quality Management Practices for Legionella Control in Large Buildings in the United States

Managing building water systems is complicated by the need to maintain hot water temperatures high enough to control the growth of Legionella spp. while minimizing the risk of scalding. This study assessed water quality management practices in large buildings in the United States. Surveys conducted with building water quality managers found that more than 85% of buildings have hot water temperatures that are consistent with scald risk mitigation guidelines (i.e., <122 °F/50 °C). However, nearly two thirds and three quarters of buildings do not comply with the common temperature guidance for opportunistic pathogen control, i.e., water heater setpoint > 140 °F (60 °C) and recirculation loop > 122 °F (50 °C), respectively; median values for both setpoint and recirculation loop temperatures are 10 °F (6 °C) or more below temperatures recommended for opportunistic pathogen control. These observations suggest that many buildings are prone to Legionella spp. risk. The study also found that 27% of buildings do not comply with guidelines for time to equilibrium hot water temperature, over 33% fail to monitor temperature in the recirculation loop, more than 70% fail to replace or disinfect showerheads, more than 40% lack a written management plan, and only a minority conduct any monitoring of residual disinfectant levels or microbiological quality. Given the rise in Legionellosis infections in recent years, coupled with highlighted water quality concerns because of prolonged water stagnation in plumbing, such as in buildings closed due to COVID-19, current management practices, which appear to be focused on scald risk, may need to be broadened to include greater attention to control of opportunistic pathogens. To accomplish this, there is a need for formal training and resources for facility managers.

Large community-acquired Legionnaires' disease outbreak caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, Italy, July to August 2018

In July 2018, a large outbreak of Legionnaires' disease (LD) caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) occurred in Bresso, Italy. Fifty-two cases were diagnosed, including five deaths. We performed an epidemiological investigation and prepared a map of the places cases visited during the incubation period. All sites identified as potential sources were investigated and sampled. Association between heavy rainfall and LD cases was evaluated in a case-crossover study. We also performed a case-control study and an aerosol dispersion investigation model. Lp1 was isolated from 22 of 598 analysed water samples; four clinical isolates were typed using monoclonal antibodies and sequence-based typing. Four Lp1 human strains were ST23, of which two were Philadelphia and two were France-Allentown subgroup. Lp1 ST23 France-Allentown was isolated only from a public fountain. In the case-crossover study, extreme precipitation 5-6 days before symptom onset was associated with increased LD risk. The aerosol dispersion model showed that the fountain matched the case distribution best. The case-control study demonstrated a significant eightfold increase in risk for cases residing near the public fountain. The three studies and the matching of clinical and environmental Lp1 strains identified the fountain as the source responsible for the epidemic.

Legionellosis and Recent Advances in Technologies for Legionella Control in Premise Plumbing Systems: A Review

This review discusses Legionella, among the most prolific and publicly well-known waterborne pathogens, and advances in potential treatment technologies. The number of cases associated with Legionella continues to rise, as does its public awareness. Currently, cases associated with premise plumbing account for the largest number of legionellosis cases in the United States. So, while it is important to understand Legionella as such, it is also important to investigate how to treat drinking water in premise plumbing for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. While there are currently several methods recognized as potential means of inactivating waterborne pathogens, several shortcomings continue to plague its implementation. These methods are generally of two types. Firstly, there are chemical treatments such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, monochloramine, ozone, and copper-silver ionization. Secondly, there are physical treatments such as thermal inactivation and media filtration. Their shortcomings range from being labor-intensive and costly to having negative health effects if not properly operated. Recently developed technologies including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and innovative carbon nanotube (CNT) filters can better control waterborne pathogens by allowing for the simultaneous use of different treatment measures in plumbing systems.

A cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Belgium linked to a cooling tower, August-September 2016: practical approach and challenges

A cluster of Legionnaires' disease (LD) with 10 confirmed, three probable and four possible cases occurred in August and September 2016 in Dendermonde, Belgium. The incidence in the district was 7 cases/100 000 population, exceeding the maximum annual incidence in the previous 5 years of 1.5/100 000. Epidemiological, environmental and geographical investigations identified a cooling tower (CT) as the most likely source. The case risk around the tower decreased with increasing distance and was highest within 5 km. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, ST48, was identified in a human respiratory sample but could not be matched with the environmental results. Public health authorities imposed measures to control the contamination of the CT and organised follow-up sampling. We identified obstacles encountered during the cluster investigation and formulated recommendations for improved LD cluster management, including faster coordination of teams through the outbreak control team, improved communication about clinical and environmental sample analysis, more detailed documentation of potential exposures obtained through the case questionnaire and earlier use of a geographical information tool to compare potential sources and for hypothesis generation.

A case of Legionnaire's endophthalmitis

Purpose: To report a case of endophthalmitis associated with Legionella Pneumophila.

Case Report: A 46-year-old, highly myopic male with a complex history of recurrent retinal detachments, macular hole, cataract surgery and an infected scleral buckle in the left eye, presented with pain, redness, hypopyon and vision loss in the left eye, 14 days following blunt head trauma. Empirical treatment for endophthalmitis with intravitreal injections of Vancomycin and Ceftazidime afforded minimal improvement. He developed recurrent hypopyon and underwent vitrectomy surgery with intravitreal antibiotic injections at the time of surgery and had improvement. Intraoperative culture was positive for Legionella Pneumophila. He had continued episodes of recurrent inflammation which were quelled by intravitreal moxifloxacin injections performed every 3–10 days. He developed a recurrent RD with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil. The retina was reattached but had no light perception vision in the affected eye.

Conclusion: When endophthalmitis is contracted in a work-place setting, a culture for L. pneumophila should be considered. A combination of intravitreal moxifloxacin and oral azithromycin may be effective.

Risk-Based Critical Concentrations of Legionella pneumophila for Indoor Residential Water Uses

Legionella spp. is a key contributor to the United States waterborne disease burden. Despite potentially widespread exposure, human disease is relatively uncommon, except under circumstances where pathogen concentrations are high, host immunity is low, or exposure to small-diameter aerosols occurs. Water quality guidance values for Legionella are available for building managers but are generally not based on technical criteria. To address this gap, a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was conducted using target risk values in order to calculate corresponding critical concentrations on a per-fixture and aggregate (multiple fixture exposure) basis. Showers were the driving indoor exposure risk compared to sinks and toilets. Critical concentrations depended on the dose response model (infection vs clinical severity infection, CSI), risk target used (infection risk vs disability adjusted life years [DALY] on a per-exposure or annual basis), and fixture type (conventional vs water efficient or "green"). Median critical concentrations based on exposure to a combination of toilet, faucet, and shower aerosols ranged from ∼10^-2 to ∼10⁰ CFU per L and ∼10¹ to ∼10³ CFU per L for infection and CSI dose response models, respectively. As infection model results for critical L. pneumophila concentrations were often below a feasible detection limit for culture-based assays, the use of CSI model results for nonhealthcare water systems with a 10^-6 DALY pppy target (the more conservative target) would result in an estimate of 12.3 CFU per L (arithmetic mean of samples across multiple fixtures and/or over time). Single sample critical concentrations with a per-exposure-corrected DALY target at each conventional fixture would be 1.06 × 10³ CFU per L (faucets), 8.84 × 10³ CFU per L (toilets), and 14.4 CFU per L (showers). Using a 10^-4 annual infection risk target would give a 1.20 × 10³ CFU per L mean for multiple fixtures and single sample critical concentrations of 1.02 × 10⁵, 8.59 × 10⁵, and 1.40 × 10³ CFU per L for faucets, toilets, and showers, respectively. Annual infection risk-based target estimates are in line with most current guidance documents of less than 1000 CFU per L, while DALY-based guidance suggests lower critical concentrations might be warranted in some cases. Furthermore, approximately <10 CFU per mL L. pneumophila may be appropriate for healthcare or susceptible population settings. This analysis underscores the importance of the choice of risk target as well as sampling program considerations when choosing the most appropriate critical concentration for use in public health guidance.

Ten Questions Concerning the Aerosolization and Transmission of Legionella in the Built Environment

Legionella is a genus of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria responsible for a serious disease known as legionellosis, which is transmitted via inhalation of this pathogen in aerosol form. There are two forms of legionellosis: Legionnaires' disease, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms, and Pontiac fever, which causes influenza-like symptoms. Legionella can be aerosolized from various water sources in the built environment including showers, faucets, hot tubs/swimming pools, cooling towers, and fountains. Incidence of the disease is higher in the summertime, possibly because of increased use of cooling towers for air conditioning systems and differences in water chemistry when outdoor temperatures are higher. Although there have been decades of research related to Legionella transmission, many knowledge gaps remain. While conventional wisdom suggests that showering is an important source of exposure in buildings, existing measurements do not provide strong support for this idea. There has been limited research on the potential for Legionella transmission through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Epidemiological data suggest a large proportion of legionellosis cases go unreported, as most people who are infected do not seek medical attention. Additionally, controlled laboratory studies examining water-to-air transfer and source tracking are still needed. Herein, we discuss ten questions that spotlight current knowledge about Legionella transmission in the built environment, engineering controls that might prevent future disease outbreaks, and future research that is needed to advance understanding of transmission and control of legionellosis.

Autophagy Evasion and Endoplasmic Reticulum Subversion: The Yin and Yang of Legionella Intracellular Infection

The gram-negative bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila creates a novel organelle inside of eukaryotic host cells that supports intracellular replication. The L. pneumophila-containing vacuole evades fusion with lysosomes and interacts intimately with the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although the natural hosts for L. pneumophila are free-living protozoa that reside in freshwater environments, the mechanisms that enable this pathogen to replicate intracellularly also function when mammalian macrophages phagocytose aerosolized bacteria, and infection of humans by L. pneumophila can result in a severe pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. A bacterial type IVB secretion system called Dot/Icm is essential for intracellular replication of L. pneumophila. The Dot/Icm apparatus delivers over 300 different bacterial proteins into host cells during infection. These bacterial proteins have biochemical activities that target evolutionarily conserved host factors that control membrane transport processes, which results in the formation of the ER-derived vacuole that supports L. pneumophila replication. This review highlights research discoveries that have defined interactions between vacuoles containing L. pneumophila and the host ER. These studies reveal how L. pneumophila creates a vacuole that supports intracellular replication by subverting host proteins that control biogenesis and fusion of early secretory vesicles that exit the ER and host proteins that regulate the shape and dynamics of the ER. In addition to recruiting ER-derived membranes for biogenesis of the vacuole in which L. pneumophila replicates, these studies have revealed that this pathogen has a remarkable ability to interfere with the host's cellular process of autophagy, which is an ancient cell autonomous defense pathway that utilizes ER-derived membranes to target intracellular pathogens for destruction. Thus, this intracellular pathogen has evolved multiple mechanisms to control membrane transport processes that center on the involvement of the host ER.

Genomic Analysis Reveals Novel Diversity among the 1976 Philadelphia Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Isolates and Additional ST36 Strains

Legionella pneumophila was first recognized as a cause of severe and potentially fatal pneumonia during a large-scale outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) at a Pennsylvania veterans’ convention in Philadelphia, 1976. The ensuing investigation and recovery of four clinical isolates launched the fields of Legionella epidemiology and scientific research. Only one of the original isolates, “Philadelphia-1”, has been widely distributed or extensively studied. Here we describe the whole-genome sequencing (WGS), complete assembly, and comparative analysis of all Philadelphia LD strains recovered from that investigation, along with L. pneumophila isolates sharing the Philadelphia sequence type (ST36). Analyses revealed that the 1976 outbreak was due to multiple serogroup 1 strains within the same genetic lineage, differentiated by an actively mobilized, self-replicating episome that is shared with L. pneumophila str. Paris, and two large, horizontally-transferred genomic loci, among other polymorphisms. We also found a completely unassociated ST36 strain that displayed remarkable genetic similarity to the historical Philadelphia isolates. This similar strain implies the presence of a potential clonal population, and suggests important implications may exist for considering epidemiological context when interpreting phylogenetic relationships among outbreak-associated isolates. Additional extensive archival research identified the Philadelphia isolate associated with a non-Legionnaire case of “Broad Street pneumonia”, and provided new historical and genetic insights into the 1976 epidemic. This retrospective analysis has underscored the utility of fully-assembled WGS data for Legionella outbreak investigations, highlighting the increased resolution that comes from long-read sequencing and a sequence type-matched genomic data set.

Evaluation of an Optimal Epidemiological Typing Scheme for Legionella pneumophila with Whole-Genome Sequence Data Using Validation Guidelines

Sequence-based typing (SBT), analogous to multilocus sequence typing (MLST), is the current "gold standard" typing method for investigation of legionellosis outbreaks caused by Legionella pneumophila However, as common sequence types (STs) cause many infections, some investigations remain unresolved. In this study, various whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based methods were evaluated according to published guidelines, including (i) a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based method, (ii) extended MLST using different numbers of genes, (iii) determination of gene presence or absence, and (iv) a kmer-based method. L. pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates (n = 106) from the standard "typing panel," previously used by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology Study Group on Legionella Infections (ESGLI), were tested together with another 229 isolates. Over 98% of isolates were considered typeable using the SNP- and kmer-based methods. Percentages of isolates with complete extended MLST profiles ranged from 99.1% (50 genes) to 86.8% (1,455 genes), while only 41.5% produced a full profile with the gene presence/absence scheme. Replicates demonstrated that all methods offer 100% reproducibility. Indices of discrimination range from 0.972 (ribosomal MLST) to 0.999 (SNP based), and all values were higher than that achieved with SBT (0.940). Epidemiological concordance is generally inversely related to discriminatory power. We propose that an extended MLST scheme with ∼50 genes provides optimal epidemiological concordance while substantially improving the discrimination offered by SBT and can be used as part of a hierarchical typing scheme that should maintain backwards compatibility and increase discrimination where necessary. This analysis will be useful for the ESGLI to design a scheme that has the potential to become the new gold standard typing method for L. pneumophila.

Legionellosis Outbreak Associated With a Hotel Fountain

Background. In August 2012, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified of acute respiratory illness, including 1 fatality, among a group of meeting attendees who stayed at a Chicago hotel during July 30–August 3, 2012. Suspecting Legionnaires' disease (LD), CDPH advised the hotel to close their swimming pool, spa, and decorative lobby fountain and began an investigation.

Methods. Case finding included notification of individuals potentially exposed during July 16–August 15, 2012. Individuals were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. An environmental assessment was performed.

Results. One hundred fourteen cases were identified: 11 confirmed LD, 29 suspect LD, and 74 Pontiac fever cases. Illness onsets occurred July 21–August 22, 2012. Median age was 48 years (range, 22–82 years), 64% were male, 59% sought medical care (15 hospitalizations), and 3 died. Relative risks for hotel exposures revealed that persons who spent time near the decorative fountain or bar, both located in the lobby were respectively 2.13 (95%, 1.64–2.77) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.09–1.44) times more likely to become ill than those who did not. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was isolated from samples collected from the fountain, spa, and women's locker room fixtures. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 environmental isolates and a clinical isolate had matching sequence-based types. Hotel maintenance records lacked a record of regular cleaning and disinfection of the fountain.

Conclusions. Environmental testing identified Legionella in the hotel's potable water system. Epidemiologic and laboratory data indicated the decorative fountain as the source. Poor fountain maintenance likely created favorable conditions for Legionella overgrowth.

Epidemiology and Ecology of Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens: Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BACKGROUND

Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) that persist and grow in household plumbing, habitats they share with humans. Infections caused by these OPPPs involve individuals with preexisting risk factors and frequently require hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this report are to alert professionals of the impact of OPPPs, the fact that 30% of the population may be exposed to OPPPs, and the need to develop means to reduce OPPP exposure. We herein present a review of the epidemiology and ecology of these three bacterial OPPPs, specifically to identify common and unique features.

METHODS

A Water Research Foundation-sponsored workshop gathered experts from across the United States to review the characteristics of OPPPs, identify problems, and develop a list of research priorities to address critical knowledge gaps with respect to increasing OPPP-associated disease.

DISCUSSION

OPPPs share the common characteristics of disinfectant resistance and growth in biofilms in water distribution systems or premise plumbing. Thus, they share a number of habitats with humans (e.g., showers) that can lead to exposure and infection. The frequency of OPPP-infected individuals is rising and will likely continue to rise as the number of at-risk individuals is increasing. Improved reporting of OPPP disease and increased understanding of the genetic, physiologic, and structural characteristics governing the persistence and growth of OPPPs in drinking water distribution systems and premise plumbing is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Because broadly effective community-level engineering interventions for the control of OPPPs have yet to be identified, and because the number of at-risk individuals will continue to rise, it is likely that OPPP-related infections will continue to increase. However, it is possible that individuals can take measures (e.g., raise hot water heater temperatures and filter water) to reduce home exposures.

Confirmed and Potential Sources of Legionella Reviewed

Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in natural matrices and man-made systems. However, it is not always clear if these reservoirs can act as source of infection resulting in cases of Legionnaires' disease. This review provides an overview of reservoirs of Legionella reported in the literature, other than drinking water distribution systems. Levels of evidence were developed to discriminate between potential and confirmed sources of Legionella. A total of 17 systems and matrices could be classified as confirmed sources of Legionella. Many other man-made systems or natural matrices were not classified as a confirmed source, since either no patients were linked to these reservoirs or the supporting evidence was weak. However, these systems or matrices could play an important role in the transmission of infectious Legionella bacteria; they might not yet be considered in source investigations, resulting in an underestimation of their importance. To optimize source investigations it is important to have knowledge about all the (potential) sources of Legionella. Further research is needed to unravel what the contribution is of each confirmed source, and possibly also potential sources, to the LD disease burden.

Lesser-known or hidden reservoirs of infection and implications for adequate prevention strategies: Where to look and what to look for

In developing hygiene strategies, in recent years, the major focus has been on the hands as the key route of infection transmission. However, there is a multitude of lesser-known and underestimated reservoirs for microorganisms which are the triggering sources and vehicles for outbreaks or sporadic cases of infection. Among those are water reservoirs such as sink drains, fixtures, decorative water fountains and waste-water treatment plants, frequently touched textile surfaces such as private curtains in hospitals and laundry, but also transvaginal ultrasound probes, parenteral drug products, and disinfectant wipe dispensers. The review of outbreak reports also reveals Gram-negative and multiple-drug resistant microorganisms to have become an increasingly frequent and severe threat in medical settings. In some instances, the causative organisms are particularly difficult to identify because they are concealed in biofilms or in a state referred to as viable but nonculturable, which eludes conventional culture media-based detection methods. There is an enormous preventative potential in these insights, which has not been fully tapped. New and emerging pathogens, novel pathogen detection methods, and hidden reservoirs of infection should hence be given special consideration when designing the layout of buildings and medical devices, but also when defining the core competencies for medical staff, establishing programmes for patient empowerment and education of the general public, and when implementing protocols for the prevention and control of infections in medical, community and domestic settings.

Pseudo-Outbreak ofLegionella pneumophilaSerogroup 8 Infection Associated With a Contaminated Ice Machine in a Bronchoscopy Suite

Objective.

To investigate the marked increase noted over an 8-month period in the number ofLegionella pneumophilaisolates recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens obtained during bronchoscopy in our healthcare system.

Setting.

Bronchoscopy suite that serves a 580-bed tertiary care center and a large, multisite, faculty practice plan with approximately 2 million outpatient visits per year.

Methods.

Cultures of environmental specimens from the bronchoscopy suite were performed, including samples from the air and water filters, bronchoscopes, and the ice machine, with the aim of identifyingLegionellaspecies. Specimens were filtered and acid-treated and then inoculated on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar. Serogrouping was performed on all isolates recovered from patient and environmental samples.

Results.

AUL. pneumophilaisolates recovered from patients were serogroup 8, a serogroup that is not usually recovered in our facility. An epidemiologic investigation of the bronchoscopy suite revealed the ice machine to be contaminated withL. pneumophilaserogroup 8. Patients were exposed to the organism as a result of a recently adopted practice in the bronchoscopy suite that involved directly immersing uncapped syringes of sterile saline in contaminated ice baths during the procedures. At least 1 patient was ill as a result of the pseudo-outbreak. Molecular typing of isolates recovered from patient and environmental samples revealed that the isolates were indistinguishable.

Conclusions.

Extensive cleaning of the ice machine and replacement of the machine's water filter ended the pseudo-outbreak. This episode emphasizes the importance of using aseptic technique when performing invasive procedures, such as bronchoscopies. It also demonstrates the importance of reviewing procedures in all patient areas to ensure compliance with facility policies for providing a safe patient environment.

Current and emerging Legionella diagnostics for laboratory and outbreak investigations

Legionnaires' disease (LD) is an often severe and potentially fatal form of bacterial pneumonia caused by an extensive list of Legionella species. These ubiquitous freshwater and soil inhabitants cause human respiratory disease when amplified in man-made water or cooling systems and their aerosols expose a susceptible population. Treatment of sporadic cases and rapid control of LD outbreaks benefit from swift diagnosis in concert with discriminatory bacterial typing for immediate epidemiological responses. Traditional culture and serology were instrumental in describing disease incidence early in its history; currently, diagnosis of LD relies almost solely on the urinary antigen test, which captures only the dominant species and serogroup, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1). This has created a diagnostic "blind spot" for LD caused by non-Lp1 strains. This review focuses on historic, current, and emerging technologies that hold promise for increasing LD diagnostic efficiency and detection rates as part of a coherent testing regimen. The importance of cooperation between epidemiologists and laboratorians for a rapid outbreak response is also illustrated in field investigations conducted by the CDC with state and local authorities. Finally, challenges facing health care professionals, building managers, and the public health community in combating LD are highlighted, and potential solutions are discussed.

Uncertainties associated with assessing the public health risk from Legionella

Legionella is an opportunistic pathogen of public health concern. Current regulatory and management guidelines for the control of this organism are informed by risk assessments. However, there are many unanswered questions and uncertainties regarding Legionella epidemiology, strain infectivity, infectious dose, and detection methods. This review follows the EnHealth Risk Assessment Framework, to examine the current information available regarding Legionella risk and discuss the uncertainties and assumptions. This review can be used as a tool for understanding the uncertainties associated with Legionella risk assessment. It also serves to highlight the areas of Legionella research that require future focus. Improvement of these uncertainties will provide information to enhance risk management practices for Legionella, potentially improving public health protection and reducing the economic costs by streamlining current management practices.

Viable Legionella pneumophila bacteria in natural soil and rainwater puddles

AIMS

For the majority of sporadic Legionnaires' disease cases the source of infection remains unknown. Infection may possible result from exposure to Legionella bacteria in sources that are not yet considered in outbreak investigations. Therefore, potential sources of pathogenic Legionella bacteria--natural soil and rainwater puddles on roads--were studied in 2012.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Legionella bacteria were detected in 30% (6/20) of soils and 3·9% (3/77) of rainwater puddles by amoebal coculture. Legionella pneumophila was isolated from two out of six Legionella positive soil samples and two out of three Legionella positive rainwater samples. Several other species were found including the pathogenic Leg. gormanii and Leg. longbeachae. Sequence types (ST) could be assigned to two Leg. pneumophila strains isolated from soil, ST710 and ST477, and one strain isolated from rainwater, ST1064. These sequence types were previously associated with Legionnaires' disease patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Rainwater and soil may be alternative sources for Legionella.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The detection of clinically relevant strains indicates that rainwater and soil are potential sources of Legionella bacteria and future research should assess the public health implication of the presence of Leg. pneumophila in rainwater puddles and natural soil.

Human exposure to endotoxins and fecal indicators originating from water features

Exposure to contaminated aerosols and water originating from water features may pose public health risks. Endotoxins in air and water and fecal bacteria in water of water features were measured as markers for exposure to microbial cell debris and enteric pathogens, respectively. Information was collected about wind direction, wind force, distance to the water feature, the height of the water feature and the tangibility of water spray. The mean concentration of endotoxins in air nearby and in water of 31 water features was 10 endotoxin units (EU)/m(3) (Geometric Mean (GM), range 0-85.5 EU/m(3) air) and 773 EU/mL (GM, range 9-18,170 EU/mL water), respectively. Such mean concentrations may be associated with respiratory health effects. The water quality of 26 of 88 water features was poor when compared to requirements for recreational water in the Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC. Concentrations greater than 1000 colony forming units (cfu) Escherichia coli per 100 mL and greater than 400 cfu intestinal enterococci per 100 mL increase the probability of acquiring gastrointestinal health complaints. Regression analyses showed that the endotoxin concentration in air was significantly influenced by the concentration of endotoxin in water, the distance to the water feature and the tangibility of water spray. Exposure to air and water near water features was shown to lead to exposure to endotoxins and fecal bacteria. The potential health risks resulting from such exposure to water features may be estimated by a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), however, such QMRA would require quantitative data on pathogen concentrations, exposure volumes and dose-response relationships. The present study provides estimates for aerosolisation ratios that can be used as input for QMRA to quantify exposure and to determine infection risks from exposure to water features.

Amplicon pyrosequencing and ion torrent sequencing of wild duck eubacterial microbiome from fecal samples reveals numerous species linked to human and animal diseases

Our investigation into the composition of the wild duck,Aythya americana, eubacterial microbiome from a fecal sample using amplicon pyrosequencing revealed that the representative bacterial species were quite distinct from a pond water sample, and we were able to classify the major operational taxonomic units withFusobacterium mortiferum,Streptobacillus moniliformis,Lactobacillus intermedius,Actinomyces suimastitidis,Campylobacter Canadensis,Enterococcus cecorum,Lactobacillus aviarus,Actimomyces spp.,Pseudobutyrivibrio spp.and Helicobacter brantaerepresenting the majority of the eubacterial fecal microbiome.  Bacterial species present in the analysis revealed numerous organisms linked to human and animal diseases including septicemia, rat bite fever, pig mastitis, endocarditis, malar masses, genital infections, skin lesions, peritonitis, wound infections, septic arthritis, urocystitis, gastroenteritis and drinking water diseases.  In addition, to being known carriers of viral pathogens wild ducks should also be recognized as a potential source of a range of bacterial diseases.

Structural and thermodynamic insight into phenylalanine hydroxylase from the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila

Phenylalanine hydroxylase from Legionella pneumophila (lpPAH) has a major functional role in the synthesis of the pigment pyomelanin, which is a potential virulence factor. We present here the crystal structure of lpPAH, which is a dimeric enzyme that shows high thermostability, with a midpoint denaturation temperature of 79 °C, and low substrate affinity. The structure revealed a dimerization motif that includes ionic interactions and a hydrophobic core, composed of both β-structure and a C-terminal region, with the specific residues (P255, P256, Y257 and F258) interacting with the same residues from the adjacent subunit within the dimer. This unique dimerization interface, together with a number of aromatic clusters, appears to contribute to the high thermal stability of lpPAH. The crystal structure also explains the increased aggregation of the enzyme in the presence of salt. Moreover, the low affinity for substrate l-Phe could be explained from three consecutive glycine residues (G181, 182, 183) located at the substrate-binding site. This is the first structure of a dimeric bacterial PAH and provides a framework for interpreting the molecular and kinetic properties of lpPAH and for further investigating the regulation of the enzyme.

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The structure Legionella pneumophila PAH (lpPAH) has been resolved

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The T_m of lpPAH at 79 °C is explained by structure

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The unique dimer interface of lpPAH comprises aromatic and ionic interactions

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Tyr257 seems important for dimerization

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This is the first structure of a dimeric bacterial PAH

Close genetic relationship between Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates from sputum specimens and puddles on roads, as determined by sequence-based typing

We investigated the prevalence of Legionella species isolated from puddles on asphalt roads. In addition, we carried out sequence-based typing (SBT) analysis on the genetic relationship between L. pneumophila serogroup 1 (SG 1) isolates from puddles and from stock strains previously obtained from sputum specimens and public baths. Sixty-nine water samples were collected from puddles on roads at 6 fixed locations. Legionella species were detected in 33 samples (47.8%) regardless of season. Among the 325 isolates from puddles, strains of L. pneumophila SG 1, a major causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, were the most frequently isolated (n = 62, 19.1%). Sixty-two isolates of L. pneumophila SG 1 from puddles were classified into 36 sequence types (STs) by SBT. ST120 and ST48 were identified as major STs. Environmental ST120 strains from puddles were found for the first time in this study. Among the 14 STs of the clinical isolates (n = 19), 4 STs (n = 6, 31.6%), including ST120, were also detected in isolates from puddles on roads, and the sources of infection in these cases remained unclear. The lag-1 gene, a tentative marker for clinical isolates, was prevalent in puddle isolates (61.3%). Our findings suggest that puddles on asphalt roads serve as potential reservoirs for L. pneumophila in the environment.

Identification of legionella in the environment

Legionella is ubiquitous in freshwater systems worldwide and can also be found in soil. Legionellosis may be caused by inhalation of aerosolized water or soil particles containing Legionella. Isolation of Legionella from the environment is an essential step in outbreak investigation and may also be performed within the context of a hazard analysis and control risk management plan. Culture remains the gold standard for detection of Legionella in environmental samples. Specific properties of environmental sites that could be a source of Legionella contamination, collection of samples from such sites, and procedures for culture of these samples for Legionella are described in this chapter.

Epidemiology and control of legionellosis, singapore

To determine trends and clinical and epidemiologic features of legionellosis in Singapore, we studied cases reported during 2000–2009. During this period, 238 indigenous and 33 imported cases of legionellosis were reported. Cases were reported individually and sporadically throughout each year. Although the annual incidence of indigenous cases had decreased from 0.46 cases per 100,000 population in 2003 to 0.16 cases per 100,000 in 2009, the proportion of imported cases increased correspondingly from 6.2% during 2000–2004 to 27.3% during 2005–2009 (p<0.0005). The prevalence of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers and water fountains was stable (range 12.1%–15.3%) during 2004–August 2008.

An outbreak of Legionnaires disease associated with a decorative water wall fountain in a hospital

OBJECTIVE

To detect an outbreak-related source of Legionella, control the outbreak, and prevent additional Legionella infections from occurring.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Epidemiologic investigation of an acute outbreak of hospital-associated Legionnaires disease among outpatients and visitors to a Wisconsin hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients with laboratory-confirmed Legionnaires disease who resided in southeastern Wisconsin and had illness onsets during February and March 2010.

METHODS

Patients with Legionnaires disease were interviewed using a hypothesis-generating questionnaire. On-site investigation included sampling of water and other potential environmental sources for Legionella testing. Case-finding measures included extensive notification of individuals potentially exposed at the hospital and alerts to area healthcare and laboratory personnel.

RESULTS

Laboratory-confirmed Legionnaires disease was diagnosed in 8 patients, all of whom were present at the same hospital during the 10 days prior to their illness onsets. Six patients had known exposure to a water wall-type decorative fountain near the main hospital entrance. Although the decorative fountain underwent routine cleaning and maintenance, high counts of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 were isolated from cultures of a foam material found above the fountain trough.

CONCLUSION

This outbreak of Legionnaires disease was associated with exposure to a decorative fountain located in a hospital public area. Routine cleaning and maintenance of fountains does not eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. Our findings highlight the need to evaluate the safety of water fountains installed in any area of a healthcare facility.

Controlling legionella risk in a newly commissioned hospital building

We describe the risk assessment and interventions used for Legionella spp. in potable water in a new building commissioned in 2007. Water systems were designed to be compliant with Health Technical Memoranda 04-01 and the approved Code of Practice and Guidance for the control of legionella bacteria in water systems, known as L8. Monitoring of cold-water outlets showed temperature greater than 20°C. Water samples were cultured for legionella. Control measures used increased flushing and a copper—silver ionization system. Nocturnal heat gain was noticed in the cold-water system. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was cultured from one representative outlet. The copper— silver ionization system reduced legionella colony counts. Water consumption was 71% of the original design estimate. No clinical cases due to Legionella spp. were detected. Reduced water consumption may lead to heat gain even in well-insulated systems, thus breaching control guidance. Additional control methods will then be required.

Legionellosis outbreak associated with asphalt paving machine, Spain, 2009

From 1999 through 2005 in Alcoi, Spain, incidence of legionellosis was continually high. Over the next 4 years, incidence was lower, but an increase in July 2009 led health authorities to declare an epidemic outbreak. A molecular epidemiology investigation showed that the allelic profiles for all Legionella pneumophila samples from the 2009 outbreak patients were the same, thus pointing to a common genetic origin for their infections, and that they were identical to that of the organism that had caused the previous outbreaks. Spatial-temporal and sequence-based typing analyses indicated a milling machine used in street asphalt repaving and its water tank as the most likely sources. As opposed to other machines used for street cleaning, the responsible milling machine used water from a natural spring. When the operation of this machine was prohibited and cleaning measures were adopted, infections ceased.

A cluster of cases of nosocomial legionnaires disease linked to a contaminated hospital decorative water fountain

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial outbreaks of Legionnaires disease have been linked to contaminated water in hospitals. Immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable and, when infected, have a high mortality rate. We report the investigation of a cluster of cases of nosocomial pneumonia attributable to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 that occurred among patients on our stem cell transplantation unit.

METHODS

We conducted a record review to identify common points of potential exposure, followed by environmental and water sampling for Legionella species from those sources. We used an air sampler to in an attempt to detect aerosolized Legionella and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare clinical and environmental isolates.

RESULTS

The most likely sources identified were the water supply in the patients' rooms and a decorative fountain in the radiation oncology suite. Samples from the patients' rooms did not grow Legionella species. Cultures of the fountain, which had been restarted 4 months earlier after being shut off for 5 months, yielded L. pneumophila serogroup 1. The isolates from both patients and the fountain were identical by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Both patients developed pneumonia within 10 days of completing radiation therapy, and each reported having observed the fountain at close range. Both patients' infections were identified early and treated promptly, and both recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

This cluster was caused by contamination of a decorative fountain despite its being equipped with a filter and ozone generator. Fountains are a potential source of nosocomial Legionnaires disease despite standard maintenance and sanitizing measures. In our opinion, fountains present unacceptable risk in hospitals serving immunocompromised patients.

Direct sequencing of Legionella pneumophila from respiratory samples for sequence-based typing analysis

We have developed a procedure to test the efficiency and reliability of sequencing of Legionella pneumophila genes directly from respiratory samples and have compared the results with those derived from cultured isolates. We tried to obtain the nucleotide sequences of six protein-coding loci included in the sequence-based typing scheme for Legionella pneumophila and three intergenic regions from 132 samples corresponding to 106 patients positive for urine antigen. A seminested PCR approach was used to amplify and sequence these nine loci directly from respiratory samples. Nucleotide sequences were directly obtained for 23 Legionella isolates and also for 66 respiratory secretions from a total of 69 patients. The efficiency of sequencing from respiratory secretions was higher than that of sequencing after the isolation of the Legionella isolates. Moreover, the perfect match between the sequences obtained by both approaches when respiratory samples and cultured isolates from the same patient were available corroborates the suitability of the direct sequencing approach for the identification of Legionella species and molecular epidemiology studies with Legionella species.

Potentially pathogenic amoeba-associated microorganisms in cooling towers and their control

Cooling towers provide a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms. Cooling towers generate a biofilm and often aerosolize contaminated water, thereby increasing the risk of microorganism dissemination by human inhalation. This pathogen dissemination was first revealed by the epidemics of Legionnaires’ disease that were directly related to the presence of cooling towers, and since then, the ecology of Legionella pneumophila has been well studied. Each country has specific standards regarding the acceptable amount of microorganisms in cooling tower systems. However, those standards typically only concern L. pneumophila, even though many other microorganisms can also be isolated from cooling towers, including protozoa, bacteria and viruses. Microbiological control of the cooling tower system can be principally achieved by chemical treatments and also by improving the system’s construction. Several new treatments are being studied to improve the efficiency of disinfection. However, as most of these treatments continue to focus solely on L. pneumophila, reports of other types of pathogens continue to increase. Therefore, how their dissemination affects the human populous health should be addressed now.

Legionella antibodies in a Danish hospital staff with known occupational exposure

Although legionnaires' disease frequently is acquired in health care institutions, little is known about the occupational risk of Legionella infection among health care workers. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to analyse antibody levels among exposed hospital workers and to determine the correlation between antibodies to Legionella and self-reported symptoms. The study included 258 hospital employees and a reference group of 708 healthy blood donors. Hospital workers had a higher prevalence of Legionella antibody titres (>/=1 : 128) than blood donors (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 2.4-4.8). Antibody levels were not higher among staff members at risk of frequent aerosol exposure than among less exposed employees. There was no consistent association between a history of influenza-like symptom complex and the presence of antibodies. The results indicate that hospital workers have a higher risk of Legionella infections than the general population. However, since no excess morbidity was associated with seropositivity, most Legionella infections may be asymptomatic.

[Infections related to recreational waters]

Recreational waters are a source of infection by several microorganisms causing acute gastrointestinal, cutaneous and respiratory illnesses. Cryptosporidium, noroviruses and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains are the most important causes of diarrhea, while Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus are the main causes of cutaneous infections, and Legionella is the major cause of acute lower respiratory disease. Approximately 90% of outbreaks occur in treated recreational waters (swimming pools, spas and recreational parks), while the remaining 10% arise from natural waters used for leisure (bathing in rivers, beaches, etc). In spas, most infections are caused by thermophilic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Legionella, since overgrowth of these bacteria is facilitated by the direct effect of temperature and, indirectly, by the evaporation of the disinfectant. Outbreaks related to recreational waters usually reflect deficient control of the system: a low level of disinfectant, or the use of an inappropriate disinfectant, insufficient maintenance and cleaning of the installation, higher than recommended usage, and failure of the disinfectant dosage system. The correct design, maintenance and use of these facilities drastically lower the risk of infections from recreational waters. Thus, other key actions to minimize this risk are the existence of, and compliance with, regulatory rules, as well as educational campaigns on good hygiene practices directed at users. Rapid etiologic diagnosis of affected patients, together with an epidemiological survey and detection of the pathogen implicated in water samples are the keys to outbreak control.

A Legionella pneumophila peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase present in culture supernatants is necessary for optimal growth at low temperatures

Several Legionella pneumophila proteins were highly expressed in low-temperature supernatants. One of these proteins was the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PpiB. Mutants lacking ppiB exhibited reduced growth at 17 degrees C. Since PpiB lacked a signal sequence and was present in 17 degrees C supernatants of type II and type IV secretion mutants, this protein may be secreted by a novel mechanism.