Field evaluation of a new point-of-use faucet filter for preventing exposure to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in health care facilities

Baron, Julianne L.; Peters, Tammy; Shafer, Raymond; MacMurray, Brian; Stout, Janet E.

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2014.08.002

Cited by 15 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Although it is not possible to distinguish the individual contribution of the filters to the resolution of this outbreak, the results of this investigation are consistent with previous reports that 0.2–μm point-of-use filters are effective at preventing the passage of Legionella species. 35 , 36 Current guidelines 37 recommending water restrictions explicitly for patients on transplant units should be broadened to include all hospitalized patients in an outbreak setting.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons From an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease on a Hematology-Oncology Unit

Watkins

Toews

Harris

et al. 2016

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.

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OBJECTIVESTo define the scope of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), to identify the source, and to stop transmission.DESIGN AND SETTINGEpidemiologic investigation of an LD outbreak among patients and a visitor exposed to a newly constructed hematology-oncology unit.METHODSAn LD case was defined as radiographically confirmed pneumonia in a person with positive urinary antigen testing and/or respiratory culture for Legionella and exposure to the hematology-oncology unit after February 20, 2014. Cases were classified as definitely or probably healthcare-associated based on whether they were exposed to the unit for all or part of the incubation period (2–10 days). We conducted an environmental assessment and collected water samples for culture. Clinical and environmental isolates were compared by monoclonal antibody (MAb) and sequence-based typing.RESULTSOver a 12-week period, 10 cases were identified, including 6 definite and 4 probable cases. Environmental sampling revealed Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1) in the potable water at 9 of 10 unit sites (90%), including all patient rooms tested. The 3 clinical isolates were identical to environmental isolates from the unit (MAb2-positive, sequence type ST36). No cases occurred with exposure after the implementation of water restrictions followed by point-of-use filters.CONCLUSIONSContamination of the unit’s potable water system with Lp1 strain ST36 was the likely source of this outbreak. Healthcare providers should routinely test patients who develop pneumonia at least 2 days after hospital admission for LD. A single case of LD that is definitely healthcare associated should prompt a full investigation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons From an Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease on a Hematology-Oncology Unit

Watkins

Toews

Harris

et al. 2016

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.

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“…It has been seen, for example, that the application of carbon filters may result in a greater presence of Legionella in water because the bacterium can colonize the filters while passing through [99,100]. On the contrary, membrane filters have shown to control the colonization of hospital water systems up to 2-8 weeks of continuous use [101,102], especially when they are covered with a silver layer [103]. More recently, the novel electrically heatable carbon nanotube (CNT) point-of-use (POU) filters have demonstrated to remove 99.9% of L. pneumophila in water [104].…”

Section: Point-of-use (Pou) Filtrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Management of Legionella in Domestic Water Systems: Consolidated and Innovative Approaches for Disinfection Methods and Risk Assessment

et al. 2021

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Legionella is able to remain in water as free-living planktonic bacteria or to grow within biofilms that adhere to the pipes. It is also able to enter amoebas or to switch into a viable but not culturable (VBNC) state, which contributes to its resistance to harsh conditions and hinders its detection in water. Factors regulating Legionella growth, such as environmental conditions, type and concentration of available organic and inorganic nutrients, presence of protozoa, spatial location of microorganisms, metal plumbing components, and associated corrosion products are important for Legionella survival and growth. Finally, water treatment and distribution conditions may affect each of these factors. A deeper comprehension of Legionella interactions in water distribution systems with the environmental conditions is needed for better control of the colonization. To this purpose, the implementation of water management plans is the main prevention measure against Legionella. A water management program requires coordination among building managers, health care providers, and Public Health professionals. The review reports a comprehensive view of the state of the art and the promising perspectives of both monitoring and disinfection methods against Legionella in water, focusing on the main current challenges concerning the Public Health sector.

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“…The effectiveness of POU filters for drinking water has been studied with immense interest even in USA (Reynolds et al, 2008) . In medical facilities, POU filters are also useful for filtering out aquatic microorganisms (Baron et al, 2014, Lin et al 2011, Zhou et al 2014 . Especially, although waterborne Legionella and Mycobacterium spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%