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Evaluation of Legionella spp. Colonization in Residential Buildings Having Solar Thermal System for Hot Water Production

Author

Listed:
  • Michele Totaro

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Anna Laura Costa

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Frendo

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Sara Profeti

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Beatrice Casini

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Antonio Gallo

    (Division of Public Health and Nutrition, Area of Pisa, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Gaetano Privitera

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

  • Angelo Baggiani

    (Department of Translational Research N.T.M.S, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

Despite an increase of literature data on Legionella spp. presence in private water systems, epidemiological reports assert a continuing high incidence of Legionnaires’ disease infection in Italy. In this study, we report a survey on Legionella spp. colonization in 58 buildings with solar thermal systems for hot water production (TB). In all buildings, Legionella spp. presence was enumerated in hot and cold water samples. Microbiological potability standards of cold water were also evaluated. Legionella spp. was detected in 40% of the buildings. Moreover, we detected correlations between the count of Legionella spp. and the presence of the optimal temperature for the microorganism growth (less than 40 °C). Our results showed that cold water was free from microbiological hazards, but Legionella spp., was detected when the mean cold water temperature was 19.1 ± 2.2 °C. This may considered close to the suboptimal value for the Legionella growth (more then 20 °C). In conclusion, we observed the presence of a Legionnaires’ disease risk and the need of some strategies aimed to reduce it, such as the application of training programs for all the workers involved in water systems maintenance.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Totaro & Anna Laura Costa & Lorenzo Frendo & Sara Profeti & Beatrice Casini & Antonio Gallo & Gaetano Privitera & Angelo Baggiani, 2020. "Evaluation of Legionella spp. Colonization in Residential Buildings Having Solar Thermal System for Hot Water Production," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:19:p:7050-:d:420146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michele Totaro & Paola Valentini & Anna Laura Costa & Lorenzo Frendo & Alessia Cappello & Beatrice Casini & Mario Miccoli & Gaetano Privitera & Angelo Baggiani, 2017. "Presence of Legionella spp. in Hot Water Networks of Different Italian Residential Buildings: A Three-Year Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-9, October.
    2. Maria A. Kyritsi & Varvara A. Mouchtouri & Antonis Katsioulis & Elina Kostara & Vasileios Nakoulas & Marina Hatzinikou & Christos Hadjichristodoulou, 2018. "Legionella Colonization of Hotel Water Systems in Touristic Places of Greece: Association with System Characteristics and Physicochemical Parameters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-12, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Annalisa Lombardi & Tonia Borriello & Elvira De Rosa & Fabiana Di Duca & Michele Sorrentino & Ida Torre & Paolo Montuori & Ugo Trama & Francesca Pennino, 2023. "Environmental Monitoring of Legionella in Hospitals in the Campania Region: A 5-Year Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-17, April.

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