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Monitoring for Legionella in Building Water Systems: Best Practices and Role in Risk Assessments
Oral Presentation
Prepared by J. Stout
Special Pathogens Laboratory, Special Pathogens Laboratory, 1401 Forbes Ave. Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Contact Information: jstout@specialpathogenslab.com; 412-281-5335
ABSTRACT
Cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported to the CDC have increased dramatically. The causes of this increase will be discussed as well as the current status of national and international guidelines and standards. Environmental culturing of water systems for Legionella is crucial for both the investigation of Legionella outbreaks and routine microbiological surveillance for Legionella. Despite its importance in prevention strategies, there is a lack of standardization of environmental monitoring techniques for Legionella spp. Culture remains the “gold standard” used for detecting Legionella; however numerous “rapid” methods are being used. Sensitivity and specificity of the various environmental testing methods will be reviewed as well as sample collection, processing, hold time and interpretation criteria.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by J. Stout
Special Pathogens Laboratory, Special Pathogens Laboratory, 1401 Forbes Ave. Suite 209, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Contact Information: jstout@specialpathogenslab.com; 412-281-5335
ABSTRACT
Cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported to the CDC have increased dramatically. The causes of this increase will be discussed as well as the current status of national and international guidelines and standards. Environmental culturing of water systems for Legionella is crucial for both the investigation of Legionella outbreaks and routine microbiological surveillance for Legionella. Despite its importance in prevention strategies, there is a lack of standardization of environmental monitoring techniques for Legionella spp. Culture remains the “gold standard” used for detecting Legionella; however numerous “rapid” methods are being used. Sensitivity and specificity of the various environmental testing methods will be reviewed as well as sample collection, processing, hold time and interpretation criteria.