Environmental Surveillance of Legionella spp. in an Italian University Hospital Results of 10 Years of Analysis

The occurrence of Legionella spp. in the water distribution systems large hospitals and other healthcare facilities is considered particularly dangerous, due to critical nature hospitalized patients. aim this study present a pluri-annual environmental surveillance university hospital assessing prevalence underlining its variability over years. samples were collected accordance with Italian National Guidelines sampling sites selected favoring wards very high-risk patients at increased risk. laboratory analyzed total 305 deriving from 24 different points. detected 39.4% samples, majority which contaminated by pneumophila serogroups 2–14 (68.7%). Statistically significant differences found among seasons linear trend positive proportion summer spring. Several experimental interventions prevent reduce colonization attempted, but there no definitive method for complete eradication microorganism. permanent monitoring fundamental preventing potential risk nosocomial Legionellosis implementing procedures minimize colonization.