Shortcomings of Legionella culture test methods exposed

A recent outbreak of Legionnaires disease at a dairy facility in New Zealand highlights some of the short comings of lab testing as a Legionella control measure. 13 people contracted Legionaries disease or Pontiac fever, one man being hospitalized for 8 days, when water samples were badly handled. The samples were not date stamped, and so were tested outside of the permitted period giving false results. Astonishingly samples were even held back so that batches could be processed at one time, indicating little interest in the reliability of the result.

The 10-14 day delay in returning a result lessens the urgency in acting on any positive results and the importance attributed to the result. No further action was taken by Fonterra, the dairy company, against the water testing company, though the hospitalized contractor remains in a poor condition.

Rapid on site testing is available and well proven. Surely this is a case where it should be used to protect staff and public welfare.