Liang J, Cameron G, Faucher SP.. Appl Environ Microbiol. September 2023.
Highlights
- Legionella pneumophila is a key factor motivating regulations on hot water systems.
- Two major measures to control Legionella are high circulating temperatures intended to curtail growth and the use of superheat-and-flush pasteurization processes to eliminate established populations.
- Facilities often suffer recolonization of their hot water systems.
- Over their evolution, the populations studied became insensitive to exposure to 55°C and developed the ability to survive short exposures to 59°C heat shock.
- This model demonstrates that well-validated treatment protocols are needed to clear contaminated systems.
- Regarding antibiotic resistance, it is important for the complete eradication of the resident population to prevent selection for more persistent bacteria.