| Summary: | 碩士 === 高雄師範大學 === 環境教育研究所 === 98 === Many recent studies suggested that Legionella present in drinking water systems may be the major source for outbreaks of community-acquired Legionnaires disease (LD), especially in travel-associated LDs. Numerous reports and national guidelines have recommended routine environmental cultures for Legionella in cruises, hotels, convention centers, and public buildings. The World Game held in Kaohsiung during summer 2009 drew attention of the public and media whether the water supply in Kaohsiung was contaminated by Legionella given the previously detected hospital- and community-acquired LDs in Kaohsiung. The objective is to determine the presence of Legionella in Kaohsiung public water systems associated with World Game facilities. Thirty sampling locations were selected in Kaohsiung including large buildings (i.e. gymnasium, subway stations, and sports facilities) and outdoor recreational area. At least 3 water samples (250mL ea) were withdrawn from each sampling location. Sample concentration by filtration of 250 mL water sample was used to increase the yield of Legionella. A standardized procedure was followed for sample processing and enumeration. Latex agglutination test and direct fluorescent antibody technique were used for sero-typing of L. pneumophila. Total of 107 water samples were collected from 30 sampling locations. L. pneumophila was isolated from 13.3% (4/30) of the sampling locations. The Legionella positive rate for large buildings and outdoor recreational area was 11.1% (3/27) and 33.3% (1/3), respectively. Sampling locations in Fengshan and Tsoying districts have significantly higher positive rates of 50% (2/4) and 33.3% (2/6), respectively. The water samples from a newly opened gymnasium were 100% (3/3) positive for Legionella. Legionella was found in the public water supply in Kaohsiung; however, the Legionella positive rate is lower than the previously published data from hospital surveillance. Routine environmental surveillance for Legionella in public water supplies can be a good practice for evaluating risk of community-acquired and travel-associated LDs.
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