Controlling Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa re-growth in therapeutic spas: implementation of physical disinfection treatments, including UV/ultrafiltration, in a respiratory hydrotherapy system

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 996-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Leoni ◽  
T. Sanna ◽  
F. Zanetti ◽  
L. Dallolio
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Water Safety Plan ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Physical Treatments ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

The study aimed to assess the efficacy of an integrated water safety plan (WSP) in controlling Legionella re-growth in a respiratory hydrotherapy system located in a spa centre, supplied with sulphurous water, which was initially colonized by Legionella pneumophila. Heterotrophic plate counts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella spp. were detected in water samples taken 6-monthly from the hydrotherapy equipment (main circuit, entry to benches, final outlets). On the basis of the results obtained by the continuous monitoring and the changes in conditions, the original WSP, including physical treatments of water and waterlines, environmental surveillance and microbiological monitoring, was integrated introducing a UV/ultrafiltration system. The integrated treatment applied to the sulphurous water (microfiltration/UV irradiation/ultrafiltration), waterlines (superheated stream) and distal outlets (descaling/disinfection of nebulizers and nasal irrigators), ensured the removal of Legionella spp. and P. aeruginosa and a satisfactory microbiological quality over time. The environmental surveillance was successful in evaluating the hazard and identifying the most suitable preventive strategies to avoid Legionella re-growth. Ultrafiltration is a technology to take into account in the control of microbial contamination of therapeutic spas, since it does not modify the chemical composition of the water, thus allowing it to retain its therapeutic properties.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Microbiological and Free-Living Protozoa Contamination in Dental Unit Waterlines

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (15) ◽  
pp. 2648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Spagnolo ◽  
Marina Sartini ◽  
David Di Cave ◽  
Beatrice Casini ◽  
Benedetta Tuvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Dental Staff ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Dental Unit Waterlines ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Studies conducted over the last 40 years have demonstrated that the water output from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is often contaminated with high densities of microorganisms. It has been monitored the microbiological quality of the water in 30 public dental facilities in northern Italy in order to assess the health risk for patients and dental staff. In each facility, samples of water both from taps and from DUWLs were analyzed in order to evaluate heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) at 22 °C and 36 °C, and to detect coliform bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila and amoebae. In 100% of the samples taken from the DUWLs, the concentration of HPCs was above the threshold as determined by the Ministère de la Santé et des Solidarités (2007). The concentration of P. aeruginosa was greater than the indicated threshold in 16.67% of the hand-pieces analyzed. A total of 78.33% of samples were contaminated by L. pneumophila, while in the samples taken from the DUWLs alone, this percentage rose to 86.67%. Amoebae were detected in 60% of the samples taken from hand-pieces; all belonging to the species V. vermiformis. This study documented the presence of various microorganisms, including Legionella spp., at considerably higher concentrations in water samples from DUWLs than in samples of tap water in the same facilities, confirming the role of the internal DUWLs in increasing microbial contamination, especially in the absence of proper management of waterborne health risks.

scholarly journals Management of Microbiological Contamination of the Water Network of a Newly Built Hospital Pavilion

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Osvalda De Giglio ◽  
Giusy Diella ◽  
Marco Lopuzzo ◽  
Francesco Triggiano ◽  
Carla Calia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Silver Ions ◽  
Waterborne Diseases ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Water Network ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Water Safety Plan

The good installation, as well as commissioning plan, of a water network is a crucial step in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to monitor the microbiological quality of water from a newly built pavilion before it commenced operation. Overall, 91 water samples were tested for coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella at three different times: T0 (without any water treatment), T1 (after treatment with hydrogen peroxide and silver ions at initial concentration of 20 mg/L and after flushing of water for 20 min/day for seven successive days) and T2 (15 days later). Coliforms were detected in 47.3% of samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 4.4% at T2. E. coli was isolated in 4.4% of the samples only at T1, while enterococci appeared in 12.1% of the samples at T1 and in 2.2% at T2. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 50.5% of the samples at T0, 29.7% at T1 and 1.1% at T2. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 8 was isolated in 80.2% of the samples at T0, 36.3% at T1 and 2.2% at T2. Our results confirmed the need for a water safety plan in new hospital pavilions to prevent the risk of waterborne diseases.

scholarly journals Microorganism levels in spray from warm-water bidet toilet seats: factors affecting total viable and heterotrophic plate counts, and examination of the fluctuations and origins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-358
Author(s):  
Toru Iyo ◽  
Keiko Asakura ◽  
Makiko Nakano ◽  
Kazuyuki Omae
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Viable Count ◽  
Warm Water ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Reservoir Water ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Abstract The objectives of this study were to conduct an appropriate microbial evaluation of warm-water bidet toilet seats. Health-related advantages and disadvantages have been associated with using warm-water bidet toilet seats, which are classified according to the tank type, including tanks equipped with reservoir water heaters and on-demand tankless systems equipped with an instantaneous water heater. However, related bacterial research is sparse. Here, we performed a long-term survey of the behavior of microorganisms (i.e., the total viable count (TVC), heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa count) in a university campus. We also examined the differences between the tank and on-demand types, and the origins of P. aeruginosa. A low TVC (≤1/mL) in the spray waters from both on-demand and tank-type warm-water bidet toilet seats showed low bacterial contamination, although there was an increase in HPC, i.e., growth of biofilms, inside in the warm-water bidet toilet seats. When P. aeruginosa was detected in spray water over an extended duration, the P. aeruginosa origin was considered as either from feces or tap water. Collectively our findings demonstrate that hygienic safety of warm-water bidet toilet seats is being maintained overall.

scholarly journals Microbial indicators, pathogens and methods for their monitoring in water environment

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Saxena ◽  
Ram Naresh Bharagava ◽  
Gaurav Kaithwas ◽  
Abhay Raj
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Waterborne Diseases ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Indicator Microorganisms ◽  
Water Safety Plan ◽  
Health Organization

Water is critical for life, but many people do not have access to clean and safe drinking water and die because of waterborne diseases. The analysis of drinking water for the presence of indicator microorganisms is key to determining microbiological quality and public health safety. However, drinking water-related illness outbreaks are still occurring worldwide. Moreover, different indicator microorganisms are being used in different countries as a tool for the microbiological examination of drinking water. Therefore, it becomes very important to understand the potentials and limitations of indicator microorganisms before implementing the guidelines and regulations designed by various regulatory agencies. This review provides updated information on traditional and alternative indicator microorganisms with merits and demerits in view of their role in managing the waterborne health risks as well as conventional and molecular methods proposed for monitoring of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in the water environment. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) water safety plan is emphasized in order to develop the better approaches designed to meet the requirements of safe drinking water supply for all mankind, which is one of the major challenges of the 21st century.

Long-Term Effects of Hospital Water Network Disinfection onLegionellaand Other Waterborne Bacteria in an Italian University Hospital

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Casini ◽  
Andrea Buzzigoli ◽  
Maria Luisa Cristina ◽  
Anna Maria Spagnolo ◽  
Pietro Del Giudice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Safety Plan ◽  
Water Safety Plan

Objective and Design.Legionellacontrol still remains a critical issue in healthcare settings where the preferred approach to health risk assessment and management is to develop a water safety plan. We report the experience of a university hospital, where a water safety plan has been applied since 2002, and the results obtained with the application of different methods for disinfecting hot water distribution systems in order to provide guidance for the management of water risk.Interventions.The disinfection procedures included continuous chlorination with chlorine dioxide (0.4–0.6 mg/L in recirculation loops) reinforced by endpoint filtration in critical areas and a water treatment based on monochloramine (2-3 mg/L). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and a new immunoseparation and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence analysis were applied in environmental monitoring.Results.After 9 years, the integrated disinfection-filtration strategy significantly reduced positive sites by 55% and the mean count by 78% (P< .05); however, the high costs and the occurrence of a chlorine-tolerant clone belonging toLegionella pneumophilaST269 prompted us to test a new disinfectant. The shift to monochloramine allowed us to eliminate planktonicLegionellaand did not require additional endpoint filtration; however, nontuberculous mycobacteria were isolated more frequently as long as the monochloramine concentration was 2 mg/L; their cultivability was never regained by increasing the concentration up to 3 mg/L.Conclusions.Any disinfection method needs to be adjusted/fine-tuned in individual hospitals in order to maintain satisfactory results over time, and only a locally adapted evidence-based approach allows assessment of the efficacy and disadvantages of the control measures.

scholarly journals Study of Long-Term Effectiveness of Water Safety Plan Applied to Microfiltered Water Dispensers to Improve Water Quality

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 2905
Author(s):  
Marta Mazzotta ◽  
Silvano Salaris ◽  
Maria Rosaria Pascale ◽  
Luna Girolamini ◽  
Graziella Ciani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Temperature Threshold ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Safety Plan ◽  
Water Safety Plan ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
High Level

The use of Microfiltered Water Dispensers (MWDs) is increasing in offices, companies, or commercial facilities, as a response to plastic pollution. Despite their widespread use, poor data are available about the water quality and pathogens developed. Starting from a high contamination found in MWDs, a Water Safety Plan (WSP) was implemented on 57 MWDs to improve the water quality. To assess the effectiveness of WSP during the period 2017–2021, the environmental monitoring of heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) at 36 °C and 22 °C, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens, as prescribed by Italian regulation for drinking water, was conducted. A high level of HPCs at both temperatures was observed, over the regulation limit; contrarily, the pathogenic bacteria were absent. The contamination found was studied with respect to the temperature threshold of 25 °C, suggested by directives. No significant differences were found between samples above and below the threshold, while a significant decrease over the years was observed for HPCs at 36 °C (p = 0.0000000001) and 22 °C (p = 0.000006). The WSP implementation resulted in a 43.09% decrease for HPCs at 36 °C and a 24.26% decrease for HPCs at 22 °C. Moreover, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the WSP contributed to limit the microbial contamination, preserving the MWDs’ functionality and hygienic conditions and the drinking water quality.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Chemical and Microbiological Quality in 21 Brands of Iranian Bottled Drinking Waters in 2012: A Comparison Study on Label and Real Contents

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Moazeni ◽  
M. Atefi ◽  
A. Ebrahimi ◽  
P. Razmjoo ◽  
M. Vahid Dastjerdi
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
The Public ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Drinking Waters ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare chemical and microbiological quality of the 21 Iranian bottled drinking waters reported on manufacturer's labeling and standards in 2012. Samples were analyzed for chemical properties K+, F−,SO4 2−, Cl−, Mg2+, Ca2+, and pH. Total and fecal coliform and heterotrophic plate counts of selected samples were analyzed by MPN and HPC tests, respectively, for three months. Finally, the labeled and real contents of the samples were compared. Potassium and sulfate ions about 43 and 52 percent of studied sample contents had values higher than label amounts, respectively. Ca2+, Cl−ions, and pH were about 71, 48, and 67 percent, respectively, less than label values. Total and fecal coliforms had negative results. The mean concentrations and standard deviations for K+, Cl−, pH, Ca2+, Mg2+,SO4 2−, and HPC were 1.13 ± 1.06, 16.39 ± 31.97, 6.6 ± 0.7, 28.35 ± 10.34, 86.58 ± 33.21, 24.17 ± 17.30 mg/L, and 16855 ± 25603 cfu/mL, respectively. Thus, there is possibility of microorganisms’ growth in favorite conditions in bottled water. It was imperative to assess the public health risks in bottled water in Iran.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Commercially Available Bottled Water in the City of Dhaka, Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder ◽  
KM Nazmul Islam ◽  
Rezwanun Naher Nite ◽  
Rashed Noor
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Human Illness ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Bottled water has become one of the most popular drinks in Bangladesh. Now a days it is easily available in the market. Due to lack of confidence on municipal supply water, people now prefer to drink bottled water instead of tap water, mostly when they are outside the home, and in many occasions. In the present study, the presence of total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC) from nine commercially available lacal Bangladeshi bottled water samples were examined. The obtained results indicated that most of the studied bottled water were out of their safety guidelines and hence some chronic diseases (renal failure, liver cirrhosis and anemia) are expected in the area understudy, because 68.89% and 31.11% of the bottled water sampled in the current study showed heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) within a range of 1-500 (cfu/ml) and greater than 500 (cfu/ml), respectively and 0% samples showed less than 1 (cfu/ml) in heterotrophic plate counts. The results also revealed the ill performance and poor drinking water quality of the purification systems of the investigated water samples. 28% of the respondents considered that the quality of bottled water was satisfactory, in contrast to the 26% of the respondent, who judged that the quality of bottled water was not that satisfactory. However, the highest (34%) number of the respondents did not know whether the quality of the bottled water is good or not satisfactory. Recommendation was suggested for new treatment systems of the investigated suspicious water to prevent human illness.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v1i1.9099Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.1(1), July 2011, p.24-30

Microbiological investigations of rainwater and graywater collected for toilet flushing

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 311-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-J. Albrechtsen
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbial Water Quality ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Count Agar ◽  
Hand Wash ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts ◽  
Micro Organisms

Seven Danish rainwater systems were investigated with respect to the microbial water quality. The general microbiological quality (total numbers of bacteria (AODC)), and heterotrophic plate counts on R2A and Plate Count Agar in the toilets supplied with rainwater were approximately the same as in the reference toilets supplied with drinking water. However, in 12 of the 27 analysed samples one or more pathogens were observed (Aeromonas sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella non-pneumophila, Campylobacter jejuni, Mycobacterium avium, and Cryptosporidium sp.). These pathogens were not found in any of the reference toilets (32 toilets). This means that the use of rainwater introduced new, potentially pathogenic micro-organisms into the households which would normally not occur in toilets supplied with water from waterworks. Furthermore, four graywater systems were investigated where water from the shower and hand wash basin was reused. The graywater systems gave more problems in terms of bad smell and substantially higher numbers of E. coli and Enterococcus in some toilet bowls supplied with graywater.

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