What is legionella:
A bacterium that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, or Pontiac fever that shares symptoms with influenza.
How it is transmitted:
Legionella spp. is found in water, in the natural environment in low concentrations, but also in artificial water systems and cooling towers. In artificial hot-cold water systems, concentrations can be much higher due to temperature or the presence of a biofilm. It is transmitted by inhalation of contaminated water droplets.
How can we protect ourselves:
- Maintenance and disinfection of hot and cold water systems in hotels, hospitals, spas, sports facilities, cruise ships and general places of public stay and gathering where water can be gasified.
- Sampling of the distribution network of the above buildings at least once every 6 months in accordance with the Circular of the Ministry of Health (DYΓ2/OIK.70777/12-7-70777), for the “Prevention of Legionnaires’ disease” by accredited laboratories, so that appropriate measures can be taken in case of contamination.
Method of detection:
Ιwaterfood, is accredited in the detection and enumeration of Legionella spp and Legionella pneumophila bacteria by culture method, according to ISO11731:2017.
The laboratory also undertakes the detection of the bacterium by the modern molecular method (SBT), Sequence – Based Typing. Genomic DNA, isolated and amplified by PCR using primers targeting specific gene sites.
Why we choose iwaterfood:
- Expertise
- Skilled staff
- Accreditation by the ESYD to the new ISO11731:2017
- Full sanitary and scientific supervision
- Scientific and technical supervision
- Guidance on control measures