P372: Reduction of HAI Legionella pneumophilia pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis by control with water supply

Water associated hospital acquired infections with Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a problem in many Hospital settings. At Rigshospitalet there was a high incidence of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia compared to other Danish hospitals. I addition several dialyze patients with P. aeruginosa septicemia could only be explained by infection through the dialyze catheter during showers.

Is it possible to reduce the number of water associated HAI by systematical control of water supply and focused infection control precautions in wards at risk?

Total germ count and Legionella germ count was measured in shower water and drinking water twice a year. Laboratory and standardized in vivo tests were done on shower water. Incidence rates of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii and Stenotrophamonas maltophilia septicemia in hospitalized patients were recorded.

Both the incidence rates of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia, P. aeruginosa septicemia in hospitalized patients were reduced more than 50% within a few years.

Figures cannot be shown.

Systematical control of water supply and focused infection control precautions in wards at risk can reduce the number of water associated HAI over time.

None declared

Affiliations

1. Infection Control 9101, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
   • LP Andersen
   •  & A-MB Hellesoe
2. Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
   • B Rubenhagen
   •  & M Høg

Corresponding author

Correspondence to LP Andersen.

Reprints and Permissions