Laboratory detection of Legionella in environmental samples

Legionnaires' disease is an important cause of nosocomial pneumonia in which hospital water systems are identified as the source of exposure. The JCAHO has implemented a new regulatory standard that places an emphasis on assessing and implementing control plans for the periodic surveillance of Legionella species in hospital water systems. This article provides laboratory guidelines and protocols for the collection and testing of hospital water for the detection of this important nosocomial pathogen.