P372: Reduction of HAI Legionella pneumophilia pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis by control with water supply

Introduction

Water associated hospital acquired infections with Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a problem in many Hospital settings. At Rigshospitalet there was a high incidence of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia compared to other Danish hospitals. I addition several dialyze patients with P. aeruginosa septicemia could only be explained by infection through the dialyze catheter during showers.

Objectives

Is it possible to reduce the number of water associated HAI by systematical control of water supply and focused infection control precautions in wards at risk?

Methods

Total germ count and Legionella germ count was measured in shower water and drinking water twice a year. Laboratory and standardized in vivo tests were done on shower water. Incidence rates of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii and Stenotrophamonas maltophilia septicemia in hospitalized patients were recorded.

Results

Both the incidence rates of HAI L. pneumophilia pneumonia, P. aeruginosa septicemia in hospitalized patients were reduced more than 50% within a few years.

Figures cannot be shown.

Conclusion

Systematical control of water supply and focused infection control precautions in wards at risk can reduce the number of water associated HAI over time.

Disclosure of interest

None declared