Detection of amoeba-associated Legionella pneumophila in hospital water networks of Johannesburg. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muchesa, P; Leifels, M; Jurzik, L; Barnard, TG; Bartie, C
• Is Part Of: Southern African journal of infectious diseases. Volume 33:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Legionella pneumophila -- Legionnaires disease -- amoeba; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2018.1434060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2312-0053

Abstract

Abstract : 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.