Hygeia Public Health 2017, 52(3): 226-233pl

Disinfection methods used to remove contamination with bacteria of Legionella genus from water supply systems in health care facilities

Renata Matuszewska, Agnieszka Stankiewicz

Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego - Państwowy Zakład Higieny w Warszawie

Summary
The presence of Legionella in water supply systems of the health care facilities may be a direct cause of nosocomial infections. Therefore, to assess and manage the risks associated with the presence of these bacteria in water systems and water utilities in health care facilities, a Water Safety Plan should be developed. This plan should be an integral part of the hospital infection control. In addition to the regularly conducted technical measures aimed at controlling the factors contributing to the occurrence and reproduction of Legionella, the disinfection processes play an important role in both prevention and intervention.
This paper presents systemic methods of disinfection (hyperchlorination, chlorine dioxide, copper-silver ionization) and the point disinfection methods (UV, microfiltration) used to remove contamination with bacteria of Legionella genus from water supply systems in hospitals.

Key words:  water, Legionella, hospital, health care facilities, disinfection