Legionella Control

Legionella is a rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the Legionellaceae family. Legionella bacteria are non-spore-forming, gram-negative microorganisms that live in water and move using one or more polar/subpolar flagella (whip-like structures). It is important to note that Legionella should be considered a potential human pathogen. Among the various species, Legionella pneumophila is of utmost importance as it is responsible for causing illness in humans (accounting for approximately 70% to 90% of cases, depending on the region). Legionella is the virus behind Legionellosis or Legionnaires’ disease. Controlling Legionella, especially in water, is crucial to prevent people from getting sick.

One characteristic feature of many Legionella species is the presence of branched, high levels of fatty acid chains in their membrane lipids. In the case of Legionella pneumophila, the proportion of fatty acid chains is approximately 64%.

Legionella bacteria can cause a severe type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. It can also cause a milder illness known as Pontiac fever. People can become ill when they inhale water droplets containing Legionella or when they swallow water containing Legionella. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspirating Legionella-contaminated drinking water. This occurs when water accidentally enters the lungs while drinking. Individuals at higher risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties. It is important to note that people generally do not spread Pontiac fever or Legionnaires’ disease to others. However, in rare cases, transmission may be possible.

Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella do not become ill. People at higher risk of illness include:

• Individuals aged 50 and above
• Current or former smokers
• Those with chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive medications (e.g., following a transplant surgery or chemotherapy)
• Cancer patients
• Individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver failure

To minimize the risk of Legionella, you can contact Chemya to learn how we can assist you with Legionella control.

Legionella bacteria are found in freshwater environments such as rivers and lakes. When these bacteria grow and spread in building water systems, they can become a health concern. Water systems that harbor a risk of Legionella include:

• Showerheads and faucet aerators
• Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes)
• Hot tubs
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Large, complex plumbing systems

However, Legionella growth is also possible in the windshield washer fluid reservoir of a vehicle (such as a car, truck, van, school bus, or taxi), especially if the reservoir is filled with water instead of the original windshield cleaning solution. There is no vaccine available to prevent Legionnaire’s disease. Instead, the key to preventing Legionnaire’s disease is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Building owners and managers can do this by properly maintaining building water systems and implementing controls for Legionella.

Legionella thrives best in warm water. Hot weather also makes it challenging to maintain disinfectants such as chlorine at the necessary levels to kill microorganisms like Legionella.

Legionella Control Regulation has been established in Turkey, following the regulations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) to take preventive measures against the Legionella bacteria. The national working program, conducted by the Turkish Public Health Institution, was determined through the Legionnaires’ Disease Regulation published in 2015.

The Legionella control regulation aims to eliminate the bacteria as a public health threat before it becomes widespread. Since Legionella bacteria can be transmitted through water and air, it has the potential to cause epidemic outbreaks. Immediate measures should be taken if symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are observed under the regulation. Click here for more information about the regulation.

Do you comply with the Legionella Control Regulation requirements? Chemya has extensive knowledge and experience in the supply and implementation of the following Legionella control methods:

• Risk Assessment
• Chemical and Service Support – Cooling Systems
• Analytical Services – Microbiological and Chemical
• Monitoring and Control Programs

We ensure compliance with the Legionella Control Regulation and can provide the necessary expertise and services for effective Legionella control.