Legionella E-news -- 26 January 2006
Legionella E-news, 26
January 2006
HC Information Resources Inc.
Matthew R. Freije, Editor
**IN THIS ISSUE**
1. E-news Archives Updated
2. New Legionella-related Technology
3. LD Statistics for Europe, 2003-2004
4. Legionella Training Course April 27th in Chicago
5. New Management Plans for Hospitals, Hotels, and Nursing Homes
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1. E-NEWS ARCHIVES UPDATED
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To see previous issues of Legionella E-news, go to http://hcinfo.com/legionella_enews_archives.htm.
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2. NEW LEGIONELLA-RELATED TECHNOLOGY
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The product descriptions below are neither advertisements from the
manufacturers, nor endorsements by Legionella E-news:
Diagnostic molecular test for Legionella pneumophila: Less than two
years ago, BD Diagnostics, a segment of Becton, Dickinson and Company,
received clearance by the US FDA for the BD ProbeTec ET Legionella
pneumophila DNA Amplified Assay. The assay is designed to detect
Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1-14 in patient sputum in one hour.
For more information, go to http://www.bd.com/ds/aboutUs/news/News052404.asp.
Urine test: In July 2005, Korea University Medical Center Fever Disease
Clinic professors Kim Min-ja and Sohn Jang-uk and the company Standard
Diagnostics announced that they developed a device that can detect up to
40 kinds of Legionella bacteria in five minutes with only three drops of
urine. When the urine sample is dropped on the test kit, a red line
appears if the urine contains Legionella. The developers are seeking a
patent and approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration. For
more information, go to http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200507/kt2005072819023568040.htm.
Rapid tests for Legionella in water. The VIT-Legionella test, available
from Vermicon (http://www.vermicon.com), is based on a DNA gene probe
technology that targets the RNA of the organism. According to the
manufacturer, only live RNA give enough signals for the gene probes to
attach to it, so only live bacteria are detected. It detects Legionella
species and Legionella pneumophila specifically. Results are available
within 3 hours. Although the testing procedures appear simple and can be
performed in a non-clean environment, the product seems geared primarily
for laboratories because a microscope, incubation oven, and centrifuge
are required. The results are analysed using a VIT-adapted fluorescence
microscope. All bacteria that light up in green belong to the genus
Legionella. Bacteria that light up in both green and red are Legionella
pneumophila.
Electronic mixing center. Armstong International’s “Brain,” installed
just downstream of a hot water generator, can be programmed from a
remote location to deliver multiple temperature settings throughout a
24-hour period, including a periodic high-temperature system flush. With
the Building Automation System (BAS) interface, the Brain continuously
monitors hot, cold, and hot water return temperatures. The Brain is
designed to prevent overheating of the hot water recirculation loop,
ensuring constant flow even at night and during other periods of low
usage. See http://www.armstrong-intl.com.
Electronic thermostatic faucet and shower valves. Armstrong
International’s “BrainWave” valves can be programmed from a PDA to open
the fixture after a certain period (e.g., 12 hours) of inactivity,
ensuring regular flow. The PDA can also report the hours and minutes of
usage for a given faucet per day. By preventing stagnation, new
buildings with BrainWaves at every outlet will have a greater likelihood
of Legionella control without continuous chemical disinfection. If a
chemical disinfection system becomes necessary, ensuring regular flow at
every outlet will greatly increase the odds of its success. What are the
disadvantages? BrainWave valves cost significantly more than standard
mixing valves. Water consumption will increase, too, because of the flow
activation feature, although the additional water cost seems justified
if illness is prevented. For existing buildings, installing BrainWave
fixtures will not likely be practical or effective for solving a
significant Legionella problem, but they are worth a look for new
buildings. See http://www.armstrong-intl.com.
Cleaning agent for plumbing systems and cooling towers. According to the
manufacturer: RE-Ox is a safe cleaning bleach that removes scale and
films from pipes, fixtures, and equipment, and, with continuous
treatment, keeps new deposits from forming. RE-Ox treated water is no
more corrosive than municipally treated water, and is safe to drink. A
report of field tests by Puckorious and Associates is available from the
manufacturer. For more information, go to http://www.re-ox.com.
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3. LD STATISTICS FOR EUROPE, 2003-2004
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The December issue of Eurosurveillance Monthly included data on cases of
Legionnaires’ disease that occurred in Europe in 2003 and 2004. For this
period, 9,166 cases were reported by 35 countries, of which 941 cases
were associated with outbreaks. The fatality rate was 8.2% (748 cases).
Go to http://www.eurosurveillance.org/em/v10n12/1012-226.asp for the
full report.
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4. LEGIONELLA TRAINING COURSE APRIL 27th IN CHICAGO
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Matt Freije will teach the training course “Legionella and Other
Waterborne Pathogens: Minimizing Risk in Building Water Systems” on
Thursday, April 27th, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The course will
cover how to minimize the risk of Legionella and other waterborne
pathogens in hospitals, hotels, and office buildings. Many of the
principles apply to industrial facilities also. The course is for
facility managers, safety officers, infection control coordinators,
industrial hygienists, public health officials, plumbing inspectors,
plumbing code officials, and those that offer services related to water
treatment, plumbing systems, cooling towers, indoor air quality,
industrial hygiene, or infection control. The tuition of $445 is
discounted to $395 for early registration. Details are posted at http://hcinfo.com/seminar3.htm.
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5. NEW MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR HOSPITALS, HOTELS, AND NURSING HOMES
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HC Information Resources released three new Legionella publications in
September:
Legionella Management Plan for Hospitals, http://hcinfo.com/318info.htm
Legionella Management Plan for Nursing Homes and Senior Living
Facilities, http://hcinfo.com/319info.htm
Legionella Management Plan for Hotels, http://hcinfo.com/320info.htm
The publications outline an overall risk reduction strategy and the
latest recommended preventive measures in a format that reads like an
in-house policy manual. Each management plan is available in print (softcover)
or on a CD for US$149 plus shipping, or can be downloaded at
www.hcinfo.com for $119.
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(c) Copyright 2006, HC
Information Resources Inc.
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Matt Freije
HC Information Resources Inc.
Risk assessments, investigations, training courses, litigation support,
and publications pertaining to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens
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