Monochloramine use for prevention of Legionella in hospital water systems

Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2013 Jun;13(3):184-90. doi: 10.2174/1871526511313030006.

Abstract

Eradication of Legionella species from water distribution systems especially in hospital settings has proven to be challenging. Legionella species causes Legionnaire's disease that is a potentially fatal respiratory disease often acquired through the aerosolization of contaminated water. Monochloramine has been used successfully in the municipal water systems to eradicate Legionella and there is currently limited data to support its use in the hospital setting. This technology appears to be affordable, safe and effective at penetrating biofilm in water distribution systems.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Chloramines / adverse effects
  • Chloramines / pharmacology*
  • Disinfectants / adverse effects
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Hospitals*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control*
  • Legionella / drug effects*
  • Legionella / growth & development
  • Legionella / physiology
  • Legionellosis / microbiology
  • Legionellosis / prevention & control*
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects
  • Urban Health
  • Water Purification
  • Water Supply*

Substances

  • Chloramines
  • Disinfectants
  • chloramine