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Legionella a “dangerous” bacteria

In fact, the bacteria enters the body through the
airways by inhalation or aspiration of aerosols. The
smaller the water drops the greater the amount
of germs that can easily reach the lower respira-
tory tract, especially the lungs. Aerosols can come
from various sources: the opening of a water tap or
shower of a contaminated water system, whirlpool
bathtubs and swimming pools; Turkish baths and
sauna; ornamental fountains especially if placed
indoors; garden irrigation systems, sanitary wa-
stewater, cooling towers and evaporative coolers,
and air-conditioning systems in general. The latter,
in places where they have been installed, create a
real Legionella risk if they do not receive adequate
and regular maintenance.

Legionella and current legislation

Italian law regulated the Legionella subject with Enterobacteria
a series of official guidelines. These concern the
prevention and control of Legionella infection, in- gnosis and environmental control of Legionella in-
dications for managers of tourist and spa facilities, fections, G.U.
indications for microbiological diagnosis and envi- Legionella infection guidelines stipulate that Le-
ronmental control laboratories. gionella Risk Control Protocol is mandatory for all
The Ministry of Health drafted these guidelines for facilities potentially at risk, with reference to all hy-
the first time in May 2000: they were the first natio- draulic and air conditioning systems. The protocol
nal document of legislation on Legionella, aimed at provides for three phases:
providing health workers with information updated 1 - Legionella risk assessment: survey of plants (if
on Legionella infection, various sources of infection, necessary, through sampling by specialized tech-
diagnostic methods and epidemiological and envi- nicians). The evaluation can be carried out with a
ronmental investigations. two-year, one-year frequency
The regulatory framework refers to the following when the situation requires timely monitoring (in
evidence, to which legionella legislation 2018 and case of system changes, renovations, positive
following are: outcome of bacteria examinations with legionella
• Legislative Decree 81/08, “Consolidated Text on values above the threshold) 2 − Legionella risk ma-
Health and Safety at Work”, offers information on nagement: measures to prevent legionella (aimed
the guarantee of hygiene of the workplace and wor- at maintaining the concentration of microorganisms
kers’ health. present in drinking water within the limits establi-
Regarding Legionella infection, it is the same law shed by law) and appointment of a Responsible
text to establish guidelines for prevention and con- for monitoring and verification of activities. All me-
trol, and the measures to be taken for the control of asures to prevent legionella (extraordinary mainte-
legionella in the workplace. nance, use of products and specific equipment for
disinfection by legionella) must be reported in the
• State-Regions Agreement 2013 and 2015 (79/ Register of Interventions.
CSR of 07/05/2015) integrates the indications of
the previous national guidelines (‘Guidelines for the 3 - Risk communication: information and aware-
prevention and control of Legionella infections, G.U. ness-raising activities aimed at plant managers,
5 May 2000; “Guidelines containing indications on technicians, category associations and responsibi-
legionella infection for managers of tourist and spa lities of public buildings.
facilities” and “Guidelines containing indications to
laboratories with activities of microbiological dia-

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