Heat exchangers installed in hospitals to conserve energy can promote growth of Legionella pneumophila in the hot water supply, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology calls for healthcare facilities to examine the maintenance and operations to help prevent Legionella growth and minimize infection risk.
“We were surprised to see the extent of the contamination in the heat exchangers,” Michèle Prévost, PhD, principal investigator in this study, said in the article.
“Because these units can act as incubators for pathogens in hot water systems, the operation and maintenance of heat exchangers need to be reviewed to minimize these risks and prevent future outbreaks.”
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