PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Legionella, the bacterium that causes Legionnaires\' disease, can grow and spread in building water systems and devices. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted building water systems through reductions in water usage. Legionella growth risk factors can be mitigated through control measures, such as flushing, to address stagnation, as part of a water management program (WMP). A national lodging organization (NLO) provided WMP data, including Legionella environmental testing results for periods before and during the pandemic. The statistical analysis revealed an increased risk of water samples testing positive for Legionella during the pandemic, with the greatest increase in risk observed at the building\'s cold-water entry test point. Sample positivity did not vary by season, highlighting the importance of year-round Legionella control activities. The NLO\'s flushing requirements may have prevented an increased risk of Legionella growth during the pandemic. However, additional control measures may be needed for some facilities that experience Legionella detections. This analysis provides needed evidence for the use of flushing to mitigate the impacts of building water stagnation, as well as the value of routine Legionella testing for WMP validation. Furthermore, this report reinforces the idea that WMPs remain the optimal tool to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread in building water systems.
摘要：
军团菌,导致军团病的细菌,可以在建筑供水系统和设备中生长和传播。COVID-19大流行通过减少用水量影响了建筑供水系统。军团菌生长危险因素可以通过控制措施得到缓解，例如冲洗，为了解决停滞，作为水管理计划（WMP）的一部分。一个国家住宿组织（NLO）提供了WMP数据，包括大流行之前和期间的军团菌环境测试结果。统计分析显示，大流行期间水样军团菌检测呈阳性的风险增加，在建筑物的冷水入口测试点观察到的风险增加最大。样本阳性不随季节而变化，强调全年军团菌控制活动的重要性。NLO的冲洗要求可能防止了大流行期间军团菌生长的风险增加。然而,对于一些经历军团菌检测的设施，可能需要采取额外的控制措施。此分析为使用冲洗来减轻建筑物水停滞的影响提供了必要的证据，以及常规军团菌检测对WMP验证的价值。此外，本报告强调了WMP仍然是降低军团菌在建筑供水系统中生长和传播风险的最佳工具。
