Legionella sp. in water systems in public teaching and education facilities in Małopolskie voivodeship in 2016

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Bacteria Legionella sp. found in water distribution systems, especially warm, transferred to water spray devices for aerators and showers in the form of aerosols infected with them become a threat to the human inhaler. OBJECTIVE. Assessment of colonization of the water supply network with Legionella bacteria in teaching and education facilities in Małopolska in 2016 year. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The results of water samples taken from plumbing installations were analyzed in teaching and education facilities by employees of the State Sanitary Inspection of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. RESULTS. The results of 366 testing hot water samples in 111 teaching and education centers in Małopolska have shown that in 123 testing samples (33,6%) in 48 centers (43,2%) the water sample was colonized with Legionella sp. and the water quality did not meet the requirements of the current ordinance of the Minister of Health. CONCLUSIONS. It is justified to periodically monitor the presence of Legionella sp. in water supply installations in teaching and education centers and taking action to reduce the colonization of these bacteria.

Detection of <i>Legionella</i> spp. and occurrence of virulence genes:<i> lvh</i>, <i>rtxA</i> and <i>enhC</i> in water samples from artificial water systems

“…Moreover, the prevalence of bacteria in water samples from apartments (54%) was similar to the presented study results (55.77%). Żak et al [18] obtained a lower percentage of positive results than in the current study. They tested 366 samples from hot water systems of 111 teaching and education institutions in the Małopolskie Province, of which Legionella was present in 33.6%.…”

Legionellosis in Poland in 2017

“…This may indicate insufficient water management system in many hotels. There is also a lack of proper management of the water-supply system in other public facilities, as found in Małopolskie voivodeship (4).…”

Occurance of Legionella Spp. In Selected Public Facilities in Poland in 2009-2013 and 2014-2016: A Comparative Study

“…bacteria. According to the current regulations, such tests should also be carried out in public facilities where water-air aerosol is produced during utilization [21].…”

“…Research conducted in 111 public facilities in the Małopolska region in 2016 shows the colonization of Legionella bacillus in 43.2% of analyzed facilities such as primary schools, secondary schools, post-secondary schools, dormitories, boarding houses, halls of residence and school-education centers [21]. Research carried out in the years 2009-2013 shows a very high level of contamination with Legionella bacteria in the water supply system of buildings.…”