Biofilms, thermophilic amoebae and Legionella pneumophila--a quantitative risk assessment for distributed water

A simplistic quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) based on the maximum risk curve (r = 1) was developed for Legionella within a water distribution system. Both biofilms and a thermophilic isolate of acanthamoebae were shown to increase the resistance of Legionella to conventional thermal di...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research. - 1986. - 50(2004), 1 vom: 12., Seite 77-82
1. Verfasser: Storey, M V (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Ashbolt, J, Stenström, T A
Format: Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2004
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research
Schlagworte:Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:A simplistic quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) based on the maximum risk curve (r = 1) was developed for Legionella within a water distribution system. Both biofilms and a thermophilic isolate of acanthamoebae were shown to increase the resistance of Legionella to conventional thermal disinfection by between one and two logs respectively. The level of risk presented to consumers was shown to exceed the USEPA 10(-4) benchmark in many cases tested. This was caused, in part, by the sensitivity of the risk model but also through a lack of reliable dose-response data for Legionella. Not withstanding this, the current study provided comparative information on the efficacy of conventional disinfection against Legionella. Combined chlorine was shown to reduce the risk of infection by as much as 1-log when compared to free chlorine, although thermal disinfection provided the most effective means of risk reduction. Biofilm detachment and the interaction of Legionella with acanthamoebae were two important ecological factors that significantly increased the risk of legionellosis, and thus should be further considered in the refinement of QMRA models
Beschreibung:Date Completed 05.10.2004
Date Revised 15.11.2006
published: Print
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:0273-1223