Recreational Vehicle Water Tanks as a Possible Source forLegionellaInfections

摘要

We investigated recreational vehicle (RV) water reservoirs in response to a case of pneumonia in whichLegionella pneumophilawas cultured both from the patient and a RV reservoir in which he travelled. Water samples processed and cultured at the CDC according to standard protocol were positive forLegionellaspp. in 4/17 (24%) faucets, 1/11 (9%) water tanks from 4/20 (20%) RVs from three different campsites.Legionellaspp. that were isolated includedL. pneumophila(serogroups 1 and 6),L. anisa, L. feeleii, andL. quateriensis. Environmental controls from the potable water of the three campsites were culture-negative. A survey of maintenance practices by the RV users at the campsites revealed that chlorine disinfection of the water tanks was rarely performed. To prevent the possibility ofLegionellainfections, RV owners should implement regular chlorine disinfection of their water tanks and follow the recommended maintenance guidelines according to their owner's manuals.