Detection of amoeba-associated Legionella pneumophila in hospital water networks of Johannesburg

The prevalence of free-living amoeba and associated Legionella spp. in hospital water systems may pose a risk of Legionnaires' disease to immuno-compromised patients. This study investigated the occurrence of amoeba-associated Legionella pneumophila in three South African hospital water systems...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Southern African journal of infectious diseases 2018-07, Vol.33 (3), p.72-75
Main Authors: Muchesa, P, Leifels, M, Jurzik, L, Barnard, TG, Bartie, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
amoeba
Biofilms
Epidemiology
Intensive care units
Legionella
Legionella pneumophila
Legionnaire's disease
Legionnaires disease
Neonates
Public health
Selective media
Sterilization
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Summary:The prevalence of free-living amoeba and associated Legionella spp. in hospital water systems may pose a risk of Legionnaires' disease to immuno-compromised patients. This study investigated the occurrence of amoeba-associated Legionella pneumophila in three South African hospital water systems. A total of 98 water and/or biofilm samples were collected from the sterilisation unit, theatres, neonatal ward and intensive care units. Amoebae were isolated from 71 (72.4%) samples. Isolated amoebae were analysed using qPCR and culture methods to test for the presence of Legionella. L. pneumophila did not grow on selective media in any of the samples. A total of 7 out of the 71 (9.9%) amoeba-positive samples showed a positive reaction for L. pneumophila using qPCR. Although relatively few samples were positive for Legionella in this preliminary study, the association with amoeba still presents a potential public health risk to immuno-compromised patients when exposed to contaminated water.
ISSN:2312-0053
2313-1810
DOI:10.1080/23120053.2018.1434060