| Abstract |
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, ecology and laboratory identification
of Legionella. It provides guidance on assessment and management of risks associated with
potentially hazardous environments. Chapter 1 describes the disease types caused by Legionella bacteria; Chapter 2 discusses the ecology and environmental sources of Legionella. Chapter 3 discusses risk management of Legionella. Chapters 4–8 are structured around the concept of a water safety plan (WSP), they summarize the general principles and factors one would need to focus on in developing a WSP for the control of Legionella in the different environments and operating scenarios covered. Chapter 9 focuses on surveillance for Legionnaires’ disease, which is now a statutory notifiable disease in most industrialized countries. National surveillance depends on the country’s infrastructure and public health laws, and on surveillance principles and procedures. Although Legionella is a well recognized problem in developed nations, data are scarce from developing countries. Since risk environments and susceptible populations are found worldwide, it is likely that the problem of Legionella is under-appreciated in developing countries. The book will be useful to all those concerned with Legionella and health, including environmental and public health officers, health-care workers, the travel industry, researchers and special interest groups.
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