Investigation of Legionella Pneumophila bacteria in hospital water supply systems

Introduction: Legionella Pneumophila bacteria is known as one of the most important nosocomial infections and the most common cause of death in patients. This study was aimed to identify Legionella Pneumophila bacteria in hospital water supply systems. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed to identify Legionella pneumophila in hot and cold-water systems of important and sensitive wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Divandareh city (neonatal, dialysis, obstetric, gynecological and men's surgery). A total of 60 samples were collected from these sections. Results: According to the results of this study, a total of 17 (28%) of all samples were infected by Legionella pneumophila bacteria in water supply systems including hot showers and cold water in neonatal, dialysis, delivery, surgery. gynecology and men's surgery wards were identified. Conclusion: Lack of proper water treatment system, low residual chlorine content, and presence of biofilm in water supply system and proper temperature range of growth with this bacterium could be the major causes of Legionella contamination in the studied hospital.