Meta-analysis on LP-contamination in Central Air Conditioning Ventilation Systems in Public Buildings on Level of LP Infection in Employees Therein

Objective To analyse the influence of legionella pneumophila (LP)-contamination in central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings on the level of LP infection in employees therein in China.

Methods Studies about the hygienic indexes of central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings published during 2006-2014 were searched by PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases. Pooled data were summarized by using a software R3.0.1 to evaluate the influence of LP-contamination in central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings on people's health.

Results Sixteen studies were eligible to include in this meta-analysis. Serum LP antibody positive rate in the exposure group16.01% (95% CI 9.18%~26.47%) was 1.68 times higher than that in the control group9.60% (95% CI 5.10%~17.34%), P < 0.05. There were no statistical difference among different gender and age groups (P < 0.05), and there were statistical difference among different types of public places (P < 0.05) observed by stratified analysis. Serum LP antibody positive rate in the employee working in supermarket was the highest.

Conclusion Enhancing the control and supervision of LP-contamination in central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings is still needed.