Investigation on Contamination Status of Legionella in Partial Public Places of Jiangsu Province

Objectives  Legionella bacteria, as an opportunistic pathogen, is ubiquitous in nature. The infection by Legionella bacteria is easily to occur in public places. To better understand the contamination status of Legionella bacteria in the environment of public places of Jiangsu province, its prevalence in environmental samples collected from hospitals, hotels, and malls were investigated.

Methods  Samples of water, soil, and dust were collected, and bacteria culture method and PCR were used to detect Legionella bacteria for every sample simultaneously. Urine and plasma samples were collected from workers in public places and patients with pneumonia in hospitals to detect Legionella bacteria antigen and antibody. Serotype was identified using serum agglutination test.

Results  The positive rate of Legionella bacteria among cooling water samples reached 100%, while it was lower in bath water and tap water samples (10%). Ten percent of the dust samples from hotel wall and air duct of malls and hotels were found with Legionella bacteria by using PCR. Legionella bacteria was detected only in aerosol samples collected from the cooling tower using culture method. However, it was found in aerosol samples from all public places with PCR. Serotype of these Legionella bacteria included LP1, LP6, and Lb.

Conclusions  Legionella bacteria were detected in the samples of water, soil, dust, and air from public places. It implied that the risk of Legionella bacterial infection is ubiquitous, and it is suggested to strengthen the surveillance and disinfection of Legionella bacteria in public places.