Effect of monochloramine treatment on colonization of a hospital water distribution system by Legionella spp.: a 1 year experience study

Environ Sci Technol. 2015 Apr 7;49(7):4551-8. doi: 10.1021/es506118e. Epub 2015 Mar 9.

Abstract

Contamination of hot water distribution systems by Legionella represents a great challenge due to difficulties associated with inactivating microorganisms, preserving the water characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine over the course of 1 year in 11 fixed sites, the impact of monochloramine disinfection on Legionella, heterotrophic bacteria (36 °C), Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, and chemical parameters of a plumbing system in an Italian hospital. Three days after installation (T0), in the presence of monochloramine concentration between 1.5 and 2 mg/L, 10/11 sites (91%) were contaminated by L. pneumophila serogroups 3 and 10. After these results, the disinfectant dosage was increased to between 6 and 10 mg/L, reducing the level of Legionella by three logarithmic unit by 2 months postinstallation (T2) until 6 months later (T3). One year later (T4), there was a significant reduction (p = 0.0002) at 8/11 (73%) sites. Our data showed also a significant reduction of heterotrophic bacteria (36 °C) in 6/11 (55%) sites at T4 (p = 0.0004), by contrast the contamination of P. aeruginosa found at T0 in two sites persisted up until T4. The results of the present study show that monochloramine is a promising disinfectant that can prevent Legionella contamination of hospital water supplies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Chloramines / pharmacology*
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Disinfection
  • Drinking Water / microbiology*
  • Hospitals*
  • Italy
  • Legionella / drug effects*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Water Supply*

Substances

  • Chloramines
  • Disinfectants
  • Drinking Water
  • chloramine