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Legionella pneumophila in aerosols from shower baths

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

P. J. L. Dennis ,
A. E. Wright ,
D. A. Rutter ,
J. E. Death  and
B. P. C. Jones
P. J. L. Dennis
Affiliation:
PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG
A. E. Wright*
Affiliation:
PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG
D. A. Rutter
Affiliation:
PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG
J. E. Death
Affiliation:
PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG
B. P. C. Jones
Affiliation:
PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG
*
* Correspondence should be addressed to Dr A. E. Wright at the Public Health Laboratory, Institute of Pathology, General Hospital, Westgate Road. Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE.
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Summary

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Routine examination of the water system in an establishment where showers were used by staff after work or leisure activities revealed the presence of Legionella pneumophila. Descaling and steaming cleared the system but six months later recolonization was found to have occurred. L. pneumophila was isolated from air samples collected in the shower room whilst the shower was in operation. No clinical cases have occurred. Serological examination of those using the showers throughout the six month period together with a control group showed no evidence of infection.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 93 , Issue 2 , October 1984 , pp. 349 - 353
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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