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Disinfection of Water Distribution Systems for Legionella: A Review of Application Procedures and Methodologies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Paul W. Muraca ,
Victor L. Yu  and
Angella Goetz
Paul W. Muraca
Affiliation:
USA Environmental Protection Agency, Drinking Water Section (Region III), Pennsylvania
Victor L. Yu*
Affiliation:
Special Pathogens Laboratory and Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center and, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Angella Goetz
Affiliation:
Special Pathogens Laboratory and Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center and, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*
VA Medical Center, Infectious Disease Section, University Dr. C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240
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Abstract

Hospital-acquired legionella pneumonia is emerging as a major problem; potable water distribution systems have been shown to be the primary reservoirs for the legionella organisms. As a result, disinfection measures have been developed to eradicate the organism from the hospital water supply. Each disinfection modality differs in its design and application such that choosing an appropriate cost-effective control measure requires careful analysis and planning.

We assess in comparative fashion the disinfection modalities of thermal eradication (“heat-and-flush”), instantaneous steam-heating system, chlorination, ultraviolet light irradiation, ozonation and metal ionization. The theoretical bases, the actual procedure or system, the logistics of implementation, the costs and personnel requirements and the advantages and disadvantages are presented for each modality. Criteria for selection of a method, the use of combinations of methods, parameters for installation, pitfalls in implementation and a plan for subsequent environmental surveillance are discussed in detail.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 11 , Issue 2 , February 1990 , pp. 79 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1990

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