By Mackenna Moralez, Assistant Editor

Legionella, a genus of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, is not just limited to natural water sources. It becomes a health concern when it grows in water distribution systems, potentially causing Legionnaires’ disease – a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria. High-risk patients are more susceptible to catching the disease, so it is crucial that hospitals and other healthcare facilities work to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria. Healthcare Facilities Today looks to find why hospitals and other healthcare facilities are more likely to have the presence of Legionella in its water systems in this manufacturer roundtable.

Are hospitals and other healthcare facilities more likely to have the presence of Legionella in its water system than other facilities? Why?

Yes, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are more likely to have the presence of Legionella in its water system because of the complexity and the length of the network.

— Prof. Philippe HARTEMANN, of France on behalf of AquaTools

While Legionella outbreaks are more common in healthcare facilities due to high-risk occupants, legionella is just as likely to be found in office buildings, apartment buildings, industrial cooling systems or any potable water system especially when there are faucets and showers that are not in regular use. The ASHRAE standard has outlined for us the buildings and systems that are most at risk to harbor Legionella. It is our job as water treatment professionals to guide our customers towards best practices that will minimize the threat of Legionella in their systems. We strive to protect our customers from Legionella and all risks associated with it including the legal challenges that can ensue if an outbreak does occur.

Outbreaks are more common in large and complex cooling systems as well as potable systems, like those in hospitals and health care facilities. People most at risk are those with weakened immune systems, current or former smokers, have lung conditions, and are over 65. The ensuing complications lead to respiratory failure, septic shock and acute kidney failure. Given that hospitals and other healthcare facilities have patients that fall into overlapping high risk categories, there is a much higher risk of a Legionella outbreak.

— Cem Candir, CEO of Chemstar WATER

Mackenna Moralez — mackenna.moralez@tradepress.com — is assistant editor with Healthcare Facilities Today.