ASSESSMENT OF LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA DEVELOPMENT THROUGH IRRIGATION SYSTEM MATERIALS

Legionella pneumophila can cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacterium is responsible for most cases of the disease and can multiply in man-made water systems, such as irrigation systems. The study analyzed the potential development of Legionella pneumophila in irrigation system materials of Spanish hotels. Sprinkler irrigation systems were analysed in hotel golf courses and compared with the Spanish regulation standards in order to establish sanitation criteria for the prevention and control of legionellosis. An analytical study and principal component methods were employed in the context of materials, type of water and legislative compliance. Lead, polybutylene and wastewater treatment plant had great relevance. There was a strong association between wastewater treatment plant-copper and well water-polyvinyl chloride. Polybutylene, iron, polyethylene, stainless steel and lead showed a great magnitude in the contribution biplot, while lead facilities had a very low level of compliance in the correspondence analysis. Materials and legislative compliance were not statistically significantly associated (p<0.05). Considering the material and type of water, deficiencies were identified in the hygienic-preventive maintenance of the facilities. Attending the sanitary control criteria, ease of colonization and results obtained, it´s suggested that there is a relationship between the different materials and the risk of bacterial development.