Sequence-based typing of Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from hospital water distribution systems as a complementary element of risk assessment of legionellosis in Poland
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2013, Vol 20, Issue 3
Abstract
Many factors affect the risk of Legionella infection, such as the design, construction and maintenance of water distribution systems, the presence of individuals who may be exposed and their vulnerability to infection, and the degree of water system colonization and properties of Legionella strains. For epidemiological investigations, two properties of the Legionella strains are usually determined: serotyping and genotyping (sequence-based typing, SBT). In Poland, data regarding legionellosis are fragmentary, despite the fact that this has been a notifiable disease since 2002. The number of reported cases is very low; moreover, the main method of diagnosis is serological examination (delayed diagnosis and cheaper methods), and only single cases of LD were confirmed by culture of bacteria. Therefore, after 10 years of mandatory reporting of the Legionella spp. infection in Poland, the real epidemiological situation is still unknown; however, risk assessment should be carried out, especially in hospitals. In the presented study, comparison of the sequence types of 111 isolated L. pneumophila strains (from hospital water systems) with those present in the EWGLI SBT data was undertaken for complex risk analysis as a complementary element. In total, strains of L. pneumophila belonging to 12 out of 19 STs determined in the presented study were previously reported to the EWGLI SBT database (ST1, ST42, ST59, ST81, ST87, ST114, ST152, ST191, ST371, ST421, ST461, ST520). Among these strains, only 7 STs were previously reported in the amount of ≥10 (mainly ST1, ST42, ST81). Analysis of EWGLI data were carried out and, proportionally, the highest percentage of hospital-acquired strains (clinical and environmental) was found for ST 81, ST421 and ST152, but the largest number was for ST1. Based on the EWGLI data and the presented results, it was found that persistent colonization of HWS of 3 hospitals by strains belonging to ST42, ST1, ST87 indicated an increased risk of legionellosis, especially ST42.
Authors and Affiliations
Katarzyna Pancer
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP80645
- DOI -
- Views 115
- Downloads 0
Etiopathogenesis of midfacial fractures in patients treated at Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic , Medical University of Lublin in 2007–2011
[b]Introduction:[/b] With the growing industrialization and the increasingly rapid pace of life the number and variety of injuries are growing higher. In the midst of injuries, the midfacial injuries constitute a conside...
Coupling forces resulting from the type of chain saw used
Introduction. Woodcutters’ working conditions are difficult due to the presence of numerous occupational hazards. Petrol –fuelled chain saws commonly used in forestry produce vibration, which may lead to the development...
Effect of two aerosolization methods on the release of fungal propagules from a contaminated agar surface
The effect of perpendicular and swirling aerozolization methods on the release of fungal fragments and spores from agar surface was studied. Three fungal species ([i]Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides,...
Eating habits of children and adolescents from rural regions depending on gender, education, and economic status of parents
The proper lifestyle of a child, including proper eating habits, should be monitored to ensure proper physical and psychological development. This applies particularly to rural areas which are economically, socially and...
Emotional changes occurring in women in pregnancy, parturition and lying-in period according to factors exerting an effect on a woman during the peripartum period
[b]Introduction[/b]. Pregnancy, parturition and childcare, which are important moments in a woman’s life, are connected with many emotional states of a future mother, a pregnant woman and a lying-in woman. The perinatal...