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Peracetic Acid in the Disinfection of a Hospital Water System Contaminated With Legionella Species

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Savina Ditommaso ,
Cinzia Biasin ,
Monica Giacomuzzi ,
Carla Maria Zotti ,
Alberto Cavanna  and
Angela Ruggenini Moiraghi
Savina Ditommaso*
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Sanitá Pubblica e di Microbiologia, Universitá degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
Cinzia Biasin
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Sanitá Pubblica e di Microbiologia, Universitá degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
Monica Giacomuzzi
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Sanitá Pubblica e di Microbiologia, Universitá degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
Carla Maria Zotti
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Sanitá Pubblica e di Microbiologia, Universitá degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
Alberto Cavanna
Affiliation:
Presidio Sanitario San Camillo, Torino, Italy
Angela Ruggenini Moiraghi
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Sanitá Pubblica e di Microbiologia, Universitá degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
*
Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 - Torino, Italiasavina.ditommaso@unito.it
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Abstract

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of an alternative disinfection method for hospital water distribution systems contaminated with Legionella.

Methods:

Disinfection with peracetic acid was performed in a small hospital contaminated with L. pneumophila serotype 1. The disinfectant was used at concentrations of 50 ppm (first three surveillance phases) and 1,000 ppm (fourth surveillance phase) for 30 minutes.

Results:

Environmental monitoring revealed that disinfection was maintained 1 week after treatment; however, levels of recontamination surpassing baseline values were detected after approximately 1 month. Comparison of water temperatures measured at the distal outlets showed a statistically significant association between temperature and bacterial load. The circulating water temperature was found to be lower in the two wards farthest away from the hot water production plant than in other wards. It was thought that the lower water temperature in the two wards promoted the bacterial growth even after disinfection.

Conclusion:

Peracetic acid may be useful in emergency situations, but does not provide definitive protection even if used monthly.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 26 , Issue 5 , May 2005 , pp. 490 - 493
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2005

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