<strong><em>Legionella pneumophilla</em> bacteria in thermal saline bath</strong>
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2013, Vol 20, Issue 4
Abstract
Objective: The study was aimed at determining whether [i]Legionella pneumophila[/i] bacteria can be found in thermal saline waters used in balneotherapy. Methods: Water samples were collected from three thermal saline baths, supplied by thermal saline waters (type Cl – Na). The total number of bacteria was determined in the direct microscopic count under a fluorescence microscope The numbers of bacteria belonging to different phylogenetic groups (Eubacteria, [i]Legionella[/i] sp. and[i] Legionella pneumophila[/i]) were determined with the use of a molecular FISH method. Results: The highest average total number of bacteria as well as the highest average number of Eubacteria in the entire research cycle was recorded in bath 1. Bacteria belonging to the [i]Legionella[/i] genus along with [i]Legionella pneumophila[/i] were identified in all water samples collected from each bath. Moreover, biofilm containing cells of [i]L. pneumophilla [/i]was identified in the collected water samples. Conclusion: The number of bacteria in water increases with the bath’s age. The[i] Legionella pneumophila[/i] can successfully develop not only in fresh water bodies but in thermal saline baths as well. Still, it is uncertain whether the commonly applied culture method, developed for freshwater bodies, is also suitable for thermal saline baths.
Authors and Affiliations
Maciej Walczak, Arkadiusz Krawiec, Elżbieta Lalke-Porczyk
Keywords
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