Pathogenic microorganisms in thermally altered reservoirs and other waters.

Abstract

Various naturally and artificially heated waters were studied for the presence of the causative agent of Legionnaires' Disease, i.e. Legionella and the encephalitic free-living amoebae Naegleria fowleri. In addition to temperature effects, various other physical and chemical parameters were also analyzed for possible correlation with the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri. Results of these various analyses showed a statistically significant correlation between thermal additions and the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri. To date, two species of Legionella, i.e. L. oakridgensis and L. cherrii have only been isolated from thermally altered waters. No correlation has yet been consistently found between the presence of Legionella and N. fowleri, and various other physical/chemical parameters. -from Author