Researchers at the University of Torino in Italy have discovered a novel way to test for low concentrations of legionella pneumophila in water. One of the most commonly used methods of testing for legionella in water involves growing a culture from the biofilm (slime) that rests on the surfaces of water systems. Large amounts of water are also included and tested in this method. The samples are then taken into a lab where it takes anywhere from 7-14 days for any potential bacteria culture to grow. Another common testing method is what is called Quantitative Polymer Chain Reaction (qPCR). This method uses DNA testing to…
In June of last year, the CDC published an article entitled Legionnaires Disease on Rise in US. The report states that the rate of reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease increased by 286% between 2000 and 2014. The total number of CDC-reported cases of Legionnaires Disease in 2000 was 1,100. By the year 2014 a total of 5,166 cases of LD were reported to the CDC. The most recent figures show that this upward trend has continued into 2015. In 2015, the CDC cites a total of 6,079 cases of Legionnaires Disease, a marked 17% increase of reported cases in just a year.…
A report by the UK Government’s Health Protection Agency found that the spray from windshield wipers is a verified source of legionella exposure. The report claimed that windshield washer water could be responsible for up to 20% of all Legionnaires’ Disease cases in the UK. This same reported stated that professional drivers were five times more likely to acquire Legionnaires’ Disease than those in other lines of work. (1) A species of legionella was discovered in freshwater areas contaminated by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1984. Seeing as most newly discovered species of legionella are named after the…
The Macau Health Bureau has confirmed three cases of Legionnaires Disease at the site of the Parisian Macao, a $3 Billion dollar, 3,000 room casino resort located on Macau’s version of the Las Vegas Strip. The Health Bureau is reporting that one of the patients is listed as being in critical condition, and another in serious condition. The third patient has already been released from the hospital. In a press release issued Saturday evening, the Bureau indicated that the resort’s pool and spa area had been shutdown for testing. Prior to this outbreak, Macao had had only 1 recorded case…
Researchers at the University of Manitoba – Winnipeg and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg have published the results of their research into a new antibiotic compound. This compound, referred to as PEG-2s, is novel in the way it ‘attacks’ infecting bacteria. Traditional antibiotics usually target a bacteria cell’s cell wall or its processes of DNA replication and protein synthesis. PEG-2s instead takes aim at one particular protein that is responsible for providing energy to the cell. The compound is so accurate and effective that the researchers claim that it does not have an effect on good gut bacteria or the body’s…
The Florida Department of Health is investigating an Ocoee gym after three of its customers have contracted Legionnaires disease. The officials have not yet confirmed the gym as the source of the cluster of cases but are taking precautions as such. The management at LA Fitness have issued a press release stating that they have made efforts to notify all members that have used the gym in the last month of their potential exposure to legionella bacteria. The release also mentions the ongoing remediation process that LA Fitness is taking to eradicate the presence of legionella bacteria. In January of this…
Researchers at CalTech , The Washington University School of Medicine, and the University of Florida have successfully modeled the ‘Type Four Secretion’ system unique to legionella bacteria. Previously, other scientists have not been able to accurately model this mechanism as the bacteria are only about 40 nanometers in diameter. This process, referred to as the ‘Toxin Gun’ by some, is responsible for the bacteria’s noted resistance to some antibiotics. The ‘Toxin Gun’ secretes thousands of toxic molecules that infect and significantly weaken cells, overloading the body’s immune response. The ‘Toxin Gun’ also shoots out material that is coded with antibiotic resistance genes, thereby allowing more…
A European research consortium, comprised of university researchers, chemical analysis labs, and an Italian HVAC manufacturer. Researchers at the POSEIDON Project, which stands for Plasmonic-Based Automated Lab-on-Chip Sensor for the Rapid in-Situ Detection of Legionella, have begun the testing phase of a device that can instantly detect legionella. The device uses an optical sensor to automatically detect the presence of legionella bacteria. The current method of testing for the presence of legionella takes days, as a sample is taken and analysts wait for a culture of legionella bacteria to grow. The POSEIDON Project is only slated to be installed in HVAC and…
The University of Windsor, located in Windsor, Ontario, shut down its hot water system in a dozen buildings around campus after routine inspections indicated the presence of legionella bacteria. Originally, three hot water systems tested positive for legionella bacteria. Subsequently, nine more buildings were found to have legionella bacteria in their hot water systems. As of now, the local health department has stated that there have been no cases of Legionnaires’ Disease or Pontiac Fever reported to them. The university has stated that it has immediately begun the process of remediating these hot water systems. To read more about this situation, click…
A publicly operated recreation center and ice rink in the Montreal suburb of Beaconsfield has shut down after routine tests of ice condensers indicated a higher-than-normal presence of legionella. There have been no reported cases of Legionnaires Disease as of now. The operators of the recreation center have announced that the arena will be closed to the public for remediation and general maintenance for 6 weeks. These findings come roughly two years after an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease at a similar public recreation center and ice rink in Quebec infected 18 people, resulting in two deaths. Click here to read more…