Compost facilities as a reservoir of Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species

摘要

Data on the presence of Legionellae outside the aquatic environment are scarce. Alternative ecosystems that could act as a reservoir for Legionella spp. have been investigated to identify unconventional contaminated substrates that are able to produce bioaerosols. We considered eight green waste collection sites including three composting facilities. Legionella pneumophila sg I -15, Legionella bozemanii, Legionella dndnnatiensis, Legionella jamestowniensis, Legionella micdadei and L oakridgensis were isolated from samples taken at six of the eight sites. The degree ol contamination ranged from I0~3 to I0~8 CFU/g. Compost facilities appear to comprise an important reservoir for Legionellae.