Nosocomial legionellosis

Venezia RA, Agresta MD, Hanley EM, Urquhart K, Schoonmaker D. Nosocomial legionellosis associated with aspiration of nasogastric feedings diluted in tap water. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1994 15 529-533. 

In the 1980s, nosocomial legionellosis occurred as outbreaks in tertiary care centers (79). More recently, cases are sporadic and associated with the presence of this organism in the hospital water supply. Two mechanisms are proposed for the acquisition of the infection (1) inhalation of contaminated aerosols or microaspiration of water (80) and (2) nasogastric tube feedings diluted with tap water containing legionella (81). 

For pediatric facilities that have experienced nosocomial legionellosis, a number of additional environmental investigations and decontamination measures may be appropriate. These are described in detail in the published CDC guidelines under Secondary Prevention. 

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