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Applied and Environmental Microbiology logoLink to Applied and Environmental Microbiology
. 1982 Jan;43(1):240–244. doi: 10.1128/aem.43.1.240-244.1982

Failure of Legionella pneumophila sensitivities to predict culture results from disinfectant-treated air-conditioning cooling towers.

A C England 3rd, D W Fraser, G F Mallison, D C Mackel, P Skaliy, G W Gorman
PMCID: PMC241807  PMID: 7055374

Abstract

The disinfection of cooling towers based on manufacturers' treatment protocols, as employed in units installed at various public gathering places in Dallas, Tex. (hotels, municipal auditorium), and at the city health department, was evaluated for effectiveness in controlling Legionella pneumophila and compared with previous laboratory studies. In specimens collected in September and December, 1978, L. pneumophila was isolated from 2 of 4 specimens from untreated cooling towers, 2 of 4 specimens from towers treated with agents deemed ineffective in earlier laboratory tests, 6 of 11 specimens from towers treated with putatively effective agents, and 0 of 4 specimens from towers treated with an agent unknown efficacy. These results suggest the need for further studies to identify biocidal agents effective in eliminating L. pneumophila from air-conditioning cooling towers.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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