Isolation of Legionella pneumophila from Hospitals Water Supply in Egypt

Objectives: The study was conducted to screen the water samples isolated from hospitals in Egypt for contamination with Legionella spp. Methods: A total of 66 water samples were collected from different departments in 10 governmental hospitals. Identification of Legionella spp and Legionella pneumophila was performed by standard culture method and by PCR assay. Serogrouping of L. pneumophila was carried out utilizing latex agglutination test. Results: The current study revealed that 8 of 66 (12%) water samples were positive for Legionella spp by culture method. However, only 4 (6%) samples were contaminated with L. pneumophila identified by PCR, 3 of them were also identified by culture method. L. pneumophila were found in different hospital departments; accident and emergency department, intensive care unit, internal medicine department and chest department. All identified L. pneumophila were of serogroup 1. Conclusions: Legionella spp is ubiquitously present in water samples. Potable hospital water supply is a primary source of Legionnaires’ disease if contaminated with L. pneumophila. Routine screening of Legionella spp in water supply to hospitals is required periodically to remove the pathogen and enhance health care during hospital stay.