ASTM D5952-08(2015)
(Guide)Standard Guide for the Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease or Pontiac Fever) (Withdrawn 2024)
Standard Guide for the Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease or Pontiac Fever) (Withdrawn 2024)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Water systems may be inspected (see Section 7) and tested (see Section 8) for legionella under three circumstances (1) in the absence of reported legionellosis (see 5.2); (2) when a single legionellosis case has been reported (see 5.3); and (3) when two or more legionellosis cases are reported in a limited time period and geographic region (see 5.4). Following are factors building owners and operators need to understand when considering testing water systems for legionella in the absence of illness (see 5.2) and for single legionellosis cases (see 5.3). Refer also to the CDC 2003 Guidelines for Preventing Health-Care Associated Pneumonia, and the CDC 2000 Guidelines for Preventing Opportunistic Infections Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients, and the WHO Legionella and the Prevention of Legionellosis. Detection of legionella in a water system is not sufficient to identify the system as a health hazard. However, failure to detect legionella does not indicate, conclusively, that the bacterium is not present (see 6.2.4) or that the water system may not pose a potential health hazard. Methods to detect legionella vary in sensitivity and specificity (see 6.2), and laboratories vary in their skill and experience in the isolation and identification of legionella. Isolation of apparently identical legionellae from clinical and environmental samples (see 6.2.1, 6.6.2.4, and Section 8) may suggest that a water system was the source of the legionella responsible for a patient's infection (see 5.3.2). However, cases of Legionnaires' disease due to different legionella serogroups or species need not necessarily have different sources of exposure because a system may be contaminated by more than one legionella. Timely inspection, testing, and treatment of possible legionella sources may reduce legal liabilities for facility owners and operators. Refer also to the APHA Public Health Law Manual.
5.2 Environmental Testing for Legionella in the Absence of Illnes...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers appropriate responses for employers, building owners and operators, facility managers, health and safety professionals, public health authorities, and others: (1) to a concern that a water system may be contaminated with the bacterium known as legionella (see 6.1); and (2) to the identification of one or more cases of Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever (see 6.3 – 6.5). Comprehensive and explicit recommendations to limit legionella multiplication in water systems, disinfect potential sources of human exposure to legionella, and prevent health-care associated infections are beyond this guide's scope.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 7.3 and 8.5 for specific hazard statements.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This guide covers appropriate responses for employers, building owners and operators, facility managers, health and safety professionals, public health authorities, and others: (1) to a concern that a water system may be contaminated with the bacterium known as legionella; and (2) to the identification of one or more cases of Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D22 on Air Quality, this guide was withdrawn in January 2024 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5952 − 08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for the
Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the
Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis
(Legionnaires’ Disease or Pontiac Fever)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5952; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1293Test Methods for pH of Water
D1356Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
1.1 This guide covers appropriate responses for employers,
Atmospheres
building owners and operators, facility managers, health and
D2331Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of
safetyprofessionals,publichealthauthorities,andothers:(1)to
Water-Formed Deposits
a concern that a water system may be contaminated with the
D3370Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
bacterium known as legionella (see 6.1); and (2)tothe
D3856Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories
identification of one or more cases of Legionnaires’ disease or
Engaged in Analysis of Water
Pontiac fever (see 6.3 – 6.5). Comprehensive and explicit
D4840Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
recommendations to limit legionella multiplication in water
E645Practice for Evaluation of Microbicides Used in Cool-
systems, disinfect potential sources of human exposure to
ing Water Systems
legionella, and prevent health-care associated infections are
F444Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing
beyond this guide’s scope.
Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
F445Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas
standard.
2.2 APHA Documents:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Public Health Law Manual, Third Edition
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Wastewater, Twenty-first Edition
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, Eighteenth
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 7.3 and 8.5 for
Edition
specific hazard statements.
2.3 ASHRAE Documents:
Codes and Standards. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
2. Referenced Documents
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ment
C1080Specification for Asbestos-Cement Products Other
Cooling Towers. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
Than Fill For Cooling Towers
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
D512Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
ment
D596Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
Water Treatment. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
D887Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
D1067Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
ment
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
12–2000 Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated
with Building Water Systems
62.1-2007ASHRAE Standard. Ventilation for Acceptable
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.08 on Sampling andAnalysis
Indoor Air Quality
of Mold.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published November 2015. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D5952–08. DOI:
10.1520/D5952-08R15. Available from American Public Health Association (APHA), 800 I St., NW,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Washington, DC 20001, http://www.apha.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
the ASTM website. 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5952 − 08 (2015)
2.4 ASM Documents: 3.1.2 air conditioning, n—thesimultaneouscontrolofall,or
Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Ninth Edition at least the first three, of those factors affecting both the
Manual of Environmental Microbiology, Third Edition physicalandchemicalconditionsoftheatmospherewithinany
Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, structure.Thesefactorsincludetemperature,humidity,motion,
Seventh Edition distribution, dust, bacteria, odor, and toxic gases.
2.5 AWT Document:
3.1.3 biocide, n—any chemical intended for use to kill
Legionella 2003: An Update and Statement by the Associa-
organisms.
tion of Water Technologies (AWT)
3.1.4 biofilm, n—an accumulation of cells immobilized on a
2.6 CDC Documents:
substratum and frequently embedded in an organic polymer
2000 Guidelines for Preventing Opportunistic Infections
matrix of microbial origin.
Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
3.1.5 cooling tower, n—a structure used to dissipate heat in
2003 Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in
open recirculating cooling systems.
Health-Care Facilities
2003 Guidelines for Preventing Health-Care-Associated
3.1.6 exposure, n—contact with a chemical, biological,
Pneumonia
physical, or other agent over a specified time period.
2005 Procedures for the Recovery of Legionella from the
3.1.7 inspection, n—the process of measuring, examining,
Environment
testing, gaging, or otherwise evaluating materials, products,
2005 Case Definition for Legionellosis (Legionella pneumo-
services, systems, or environments.
phila)
3.1.8 monitoring, n—the continual sampling, measuring,
2.7 Code of Federal Regulations:
recording, or signaling, or both, of the characteristics of water
42CFR84Title 42, Volume 1, 84. Approval of Respiratory
or waterborne material.
Protective Devices
3.1.9 pH, n—the negative logarithm of hydrogen-ion activ-
2.8 CTI Document:
ityinaqueoussolutionorthelogarithmofthereciprocalofthe
Legionellosis Guideline: Best Practices for Control of Le-
hydrogen-ion activity.
gionella
2.9 OSHA Document:
3.1.10 sample, n—a portion of a population intended to be
2003 Occupational Safety and Health Administration
representative of the whole.
(OSHA) Technical Manual, Section III: Chapter 7, Le-
3.1.11 sampling, n—a process consisting of the withdrawal
gionnaires’ Disease
or isolation of a fractional part of the whole.
2.10 WHO Document:
3.1.12 scale, n—a deposit formed from solution directly
Legionella and the Prevention of Legionellosis
upon a surface.
3. Terminology
3.1.13 sludge, n—a water-formed sedimentary deposit.
3.1 Definitions from Compilation of ASTM Standard Defi-
3.1.14 testing, n—the determination by technical means of
nitions:
properties; performance; or elements of materials, products,
3.1.1 aerosol, n—a dispersion of solid or liquid particles in
services, systems, or environments which involve application
a gaseous medium.
of established scientific principles and procedures.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 acute phase, n—of legionellosis, the initial phase of
Edelstein, P.H., “Legionella,” in Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Murray,
P.R., Ed.,American Society for Microbiology,Washington, DC 20005, USA, 2007, infection; the first weeks following symptom onset.
pp. 835–849.
3.2.2 antibody, n—to legionella, a substance in blood syn-
Fields, B.S., “Legionellae and Legionnaires’ disease” in Manual of Environ-
mental Microbiology,Hurst, C.J., Ed., American Society for Microbiology,
thesizedinresponsetoalegionellaantigenthatentersthebody.
Washington, DC 20005, USA, 2007, pp. 1005–1015.
3.2.3 antibody rise, n—in legionella antibody,anincreasein
Edelstein, P.H., “Detection of Antibodies to Legionella,” in Manual of
Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, Detrick, B., Hamilton, R.G.,
the highest serum dilution at which legionella antibody is
Folds, J.D., Eds., American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC 20005,
detected in a blood sample collected weeks or months after
USA, 2006, pp. 468–476.
legionellosis onset as compared with the highest dilution for a
Available from Association of Water Technologies (AWT), 9707 Key West
Avenue, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, http://www.awt.org. sample collected before or shortly after illness onset.
Available from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
3.2.4 antigen, n—to legionella, a legionella molecule that
Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd.,
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov. stimulates an antibody response by a host immune system.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
3.2.5 aseptically, adv—using precautions to prevent con-
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. tamination of samples by microorganisms.
Available from Cooling Tower Institute, PO Box 681807, Houston, Texas
3.2.6 back-flow preventer, n—a control valve to prevent
77268, http://www.cti.org.
Available from Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA), 200 reverse flow of water.
ConstitutionAve., Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
3.2.7 bacterium, n—pl. -ria, a typically small unicellular
Available from World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva
27, Switzerland, http://www.who.int/en. microorganism.
D5952 − 08 (2015)
3.2.8 CDC, n—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.2.24 false-negative, adj—incorrectly indicating the ab-
U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia. sence of a finding, condition, or disease.
3.2.9 clean, adj—visibly free of sludge, sediment, scale, 3.2.25 false-positive, adj—incorrectly indicating the pres-
biofilm, algae, fungi, rust, corrosion, and extraneous matter. ence of a finding, condition, or disease.
3.2.10 clean, v—to remove sludge, sediment, scale, biofilm, 3.2.26 free residual chlorine, n—the total concentration of
algae,fungi,rust,corrosion,andextraneousmatterbyphysical
hypochlorous acid and hypochlorites available to act as disin-
or chemical means. fectant.
3.2.11 colony, n—of legionella, a macroscopic group of 3.2.27 genus, n—a taxonomic classification of organisms;
legionella cells arising from bacterial multiplication on the
the division between the family or tribe and the species; a
surface of semisolid culture medium. group of species alike in broad organizational features but
different in detail.
3.2.12 colony-forming unit, n—of legionella, a colony aris-
ing from the multiplication of one or a cluster of viable 3.2.28 gram-negative,adj—losingtheprimaryvioletorblue
legionella.
stain during decolorization in Gram’s staining method.
3.2.13 confirmed case, n—of Legionnaires’ disease, a case
3.2.29 HVAC, adj—heating, ventilating, and air-
of physician-diagnosed pneumonia verified by at least one conditioning.
confirmatory test as meeting the laboratory criteria jointly
3.2.30 humidifier, n—a device for adding moisture to air by
developed by the CDC and the Council of State andTerritorial
boiling, spraying, or atomizing water.
Epidemiologists.
3.2.31 IHC, n—immunohistochemistry.
3.2.14 contamination, n—with legionella, the presence of
3.2.32 immunocompromised, adj—aperson’sstatewhenthe
legionella on or in inanimate articles or substances.
body’s natural defenses to infection are below normal.
3.2.15 convalescent phase, n—of legionellosis, the recovery
3.2.33 immunohistochemistry, n—a staining procedure that
phase of infection, typically four to eight weeks following
detects antigens in tissue sections through the use of specific
symptom onset.
labeled antibodies.
3.2.16 DFA, adj—direct fluorescent-antibody.
3.2.34 in vitro, adj—(Latin: in glass), refers to laboratory
3.2.17 dead leg, n—a length of pipe closed at one end or
tests performed in a test tube or other container as opposed to
ending at a fitting through which water flows only when the
a living system; the opposite of in vivo.
fitting is open.
3.2.35 in vivo, adj—(Latin: in living), refers to laboratory
3.2.18 direct fluorescent-antibody test, n—for legionella,a
tests performed in living organisms; the opposite of in vitro.
staining procedure that detects legionella surface antigens
3.2.36 incubation period, n— of legionellosis, the time
through the use of specific antibodies labeled with fluorescent
interval between initial contact with legionella and appearance
compounds; bacteria to which antibody has attached fluoresce
of the first legionellosis sign or symptom.
when viewed under appropriate irradiation.
3.2.37 infection, n—with legionella, the entry and
3.2.19 disinfect, v—to eliminate virtually all pathogenic
development, or multiplication, of legionella in humans.
microorganisms, but not necessarily all microbiological forms,
outside the body by direct exposure to chemical or physical
3.2.38 inspector, n—apersonexamininganenvironmentfor
agents.
possible contamination with legionella.
3.2.20 drift, n—from water-cooled heat-transfer equipment,
3.2.39 investigator, n—a person conducting an epidemio-
water droplets carried from a cooling tower or other water-
logical investigation of a potential legionellosis outbreak.
cooled heat-transfer system by air movement through the unit;
3.2.40 isolate, n—amicroorganismgrownfromaclinicalor
driftcanbeconfusedwithcondensedwatervaporappearingas
environmental sample.
steam leaving a unit.
3.2.41 isolate, v—in vitro growth of microorganisms on
3.2.21 drift eliminator, n—a plastic, metal, or wood baffle
culture medium.
designed to entrain water droplets and to reduce aerosol
escape.
3.2.42 Legionella, n—a bacterial genus containing over 50
species and at least 71 serogroups; abbreviated to the first
3.2.22 evaporative condenser, n—aheatexchangerinwhich
initial when used repeatedly with a species name, for example,
refrigerant is cooled by a combination of air movement and
L. pneumophila.
water spraying.
3.2.22.1 Discussion—Evaporative air coolers (swamp 3.2.43 legionella, n—pl. -ae, a bacterium in the genus
coolers), which do not produce large numbers of water Legionella.
droplets,havenotbeenassociatedwithlegionellatransmission
3.2.44 legionellosis, n—a respiratory illness caused by or
to date.
associated with legione
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5952 − 08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for the
Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the
Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis
(Legionnaires’ Disease or Pontiac Fever)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5952; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
1.1 This guide covers appropriate responses for employers,
Atmospheres
building owners and operators, facility managers, health and
D2331 Practices for Preparation and Preliminary Testing of
safety professionals, public health authorities, and others: (1) to
Water-Formed Deposits
a concern that a water system may be contaminated with the
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
bacterium known as legionella (see 6.1); and (2) to the
D3856 Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories
identification of one or more cases of Legionnaires’ disease or
Engaged in Analysis of Water
Pontiac fever (see 6.3 – 6.5). Comprehensive and explicit
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
recommendations to limit legionella multiplication in water
E645 Practice for Evaluation of Microbicides Used in Cool-
systems, disinfect potential sources of human exposure to
ing Water Systems
legionella, and prevent health-care associated infections are
F444 Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing
beyond this guide’s scope.
Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
F445 Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas
standard.
2.2 APHA Documents:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Public Health Law Manual, Third Edition
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Wastewater, Twenty-first Edition
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, Eighteenth
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 7.3 and 8.5 for
Edition
specific hazard statements.
2.3 ASHRAE Documents:
Codes and Standards. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
2. Referenced Documents
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ment
C1080 Specification for Asbestos-Cement Products Other
Cooling Towers. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
Than Fill For Cooling Towers
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
D512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
ment
D596 Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
Water Treatment. 2004 ASHRAE Handbook—Heating,
D887 Practices for Sampling Water-Formed Deposits
Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equip-
D1067 Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water
ment
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
12–2000 Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated
with Building Water Systems
62.1-2007 ASHRAE Standard. Ventilation for Acceptable
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.08 on Sampling and Analysis
Indoor Air Quality
of Mold.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published November 2015. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D5952 – 08. DOI:
10.1520/D5952-08R15. Available from American Public Health Association (APHA), 800 I St., NW,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Washington, DC 20001, http://www.apha.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
the ASTM website. 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5952 − 08 (2015)
2.4 ASM Documents: 3.1.2 air conditioning, n—the simultaneous control of all, or
Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Ninth Edition at least the first three, of those factors affecting both the
Manual of Environmental Microbiology, Third Edition physical and chemical conditions of the atmosphere within any
Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, structure. These factors include temperature, humidity, motion,
Seventh Edition distribution, dust, bacteria, odor, and toxic gases.
2.5 AWT Document:
3.1.3 biocide, n—any chemical intended for use to kill
Legionella 2003: An Update and Statement by the Associa-
organisms.
tion of Water Technologies (AWT)
3.1.4 biofilm, n—an accumulation of cells immobilized on a
2.6 CDC Documents:
substratum and frequently embedded in an organic polymer
2000 Guidelines for Preventing Opportunistic Infections
matrix of microbial origin.
Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
3.1.5 cooling tower, n—a structure used to dissipate heat in
2003 Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in
open recirculating cooling systems.
Health-Care Facilities
2003 Guidelines for Preventing Health-Care-Associated
3.1.6 exposure, n—contact with a chemical, biological,
Pneumonia
physical, or other agent over a specified time period.
2005 Procedures for the Recovery of Legionella from the
3.1.7 inspection, n—the process of measuring, examining,
Environment
testing, gaging, or otherwise evaluating materials, products,
2005 Case Definition for Legionellosis (Legionella pneumo-
services, systems, or environments.
phila)
3.1.8 monitoring, n—the continual sampling, measuring,
2.7 Code of Federal Regulations:
recording, or signaling, or both, of the characteristics of water
42CFR84 Title 42, Volume 1, 84. Approval of Respiratory
or waterborne material.
Protective Devices
3.1.9 pH, n—the negative logarithm of hydrogen-ion activ-
2.8 CTI Document:
ity in aqueous solution or the logarithm of the reciprocal of the
Legionellosis Guideline: Best Practices for Control of Le-
hydrogen-ion activity.
gionella
2.9 OSHA Document:
3.1.10 sample, n—a portion of a population intended to be
2003 Occupational Safety and Health Administration
representative of the whole.
(OSHA) Technical Manual, Section III: Chapter 7, Le-
3.1.11 sampling, n—a process consisting of the withdrawal
gionnaires’ Disease
or isolation of a fractional part of the whole.
2.10 WHO Document:
3.1.12 scale, n—a deposit formed from solution directly
Legionella and the Prevention of Legionellosis
upon a surface.
3. Terminology
3.1.13 sludge, n—a water-formed sedimentary deposit.
3.1 Definitions from Compilation of ASTM Standard Defi-
3.1.14 testing, n—the determination by technical means of
nitions:
properties; performance; or elements of materials, products,
3.1.1 aerosol, n—a dispersion of solid or liquid particles in
services, systems, or environments which involve application
a gaseous medium.
of established scientific principles and procedures.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 acute phase, n—of legionellosis, the initial phase of
Edelstein, P.H., “Legionella,” in Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Murray,
P.R., Ed., American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC 20005, USA, 2007,
infection; the first weeks following symptom onset.
pp. 835–849.
3.2.2 antibody, n—to legionella, a substance in blood syn-
Fields, B.S., “Legionellae and Legionnaires’ disease” in Manual of Environ-
mental Microbiology,Hurst, C.J., Ed., American Society for Microbiology,
thesized in response to a legionella antigen that enters the body.
Washington, DC 20005, USA, 2007, pp. 1005–1015.
3.2.3 antibody rise, n—in legionella antibody, an increase in
Edelstein, P.H., “Detection of Antibodies to Legionella,” in Manual of
Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology, Detrick, B., Hamilton, R.G.,
the highest serum dilution at which legionella antibody is
Folds, J.D., Eds., American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC 20005,
detected in a blood sample collected weeks or months after
USA, 2006, pp. 468–476.
8 legionellosis onset as compared with the highest dilution for a
Available from Association of Water Technologies (AWT), 9707 Key West
sample collected before or shortly after illness onset.
Avenue, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850, http://www.awt.org.
Available from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
3.2.4 antigen, n—to legionella, a legionella molecule that
Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd.,
stimulates an antibody response by a host immune system.
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
3.2.5 aseptically, adv—using precautions to prevent con-
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
tamination of samples by microorganisms.
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from Cooling Tower Institute, PO Box 681807, Houston, Texas
3.2.6 back-flow preventer, n—a control valve to prevent
77268, http://www.cti.org.
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200 reverse flow of water.
Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
13 3.2.7 bacterium, n—pl. -ria, a typically small unicellular
Available from World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva
27, Switzerland, http://www.who.int/en. microorganism.
D5952 − 08 (2015)
3.2.8 CDC, n—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.2.24 false-negative, adj—incorrectly indicating the ab-
U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia. sence of a finding, condition, or disease.
3.2.9 clean, adj—visibly free of sludge, sediment, scale, 3.2.25 false-positive, adj—incorrectly indicating the pres-
biofilm, algae, fungi, rust, corrosion, and extraneous matter. ence of a finding, condition, or disease.
3.2.10 clean, v—to remove sludge, sediment, scale, biofilm,
3.2.26 free residual chlorine, n—the total concentration of
algae, fungi, rust, corrosion, and extraneous matter by physical hypochlorous acid and hypochlorites available to act as disin-
or chemical means.
fectant.
3.2.11 colony, n—of legionella, a macroscopic group of
3.2.27 genus, n—a taxonomic classification of organisms;
legionella cells arising from bacterial multiplication on the the division between the family or tribe and the species; a
surface of semisolid culture medium.
group of species alike in broad organizational features but
different in detail.
3.2.12 colony-forming unit, n—of legionella, a colony aris-
ing from the multiplication of one or a cluster of viable
3.2.28 gram-negative, adj—losing the primary violet or blue
legionella. stain during decolorization in Gram’s staining method.
3.2.13 confirmed case, n—of Legionnaires’ disease, a case 3.2.29 HVAC, adj—heating, ventilating, and air-
of physician-diagnosed pneumonia verified by at least one
conditioning.
confirmatory test as meeting the laboratory criteria jointly
3.2.30 humidifier, n—a device for adding moisture to air by
developed by the CDC and the Council of State and Territorial
boiling, spraying, or atomizing water.
Epidemiologists.
3.2.31 IHC, n—immunohistochemistry.
3.2.14 contamination, n—with legionella, the presence of
3.2.32 immunocompromised, adj—a person’s state when the
legionella on or in inanimate articles or substances.
body’s natural defenses to infection are below normal.
3.2.15 convalescent phase, n—of legionellosis, the recovery
3.2.33 immunohistochemistry, n—a staining procedure that
phase of infection, typically four to eight weeks following
detects antigens in tissue sections through the use of specific
symptom onset.
labeled antibodies.
3.2.16 DFA, adj—direct fluorescent-antibody.
3.2.34 in vitro, adj—(Latin: in glass), refers to laboratory
3.2.17 dead leg, n—a length of pipe closed at one end or
tests performed in a test tube or other container as opposed to
ending at a fitting through which water flows only when the
a living system; the opposite of in vivo.
fitting is open.
3.2.35 in vivo, adj—(Latin: in living), refers to laboratory
3.2.18 direct fluorescent-antibody test, n—for legionella, a
tests performed in living organisms; the opposite of in vitro.
staining procedure that detects legionella surface antigens
3.2.36 incubation period, n— of legionellosis, the time
through the use of specific antibodies labeled with fluorescent
interval between initial contact with legionella and appearance
compounds; bacteria to which antibody has attached fluoresce
of the first legionellosis sign or symptom.
when viewed under appropriate irradiation.
3.2.37 infection, n—with legionella, the entry and
3.2.19 disinfect, v—to eliminate virtually all pathogenic
development, or multiplication, of legionella in humans.
microorganisms, but not necessarily all microbiological forms,
outside the body by direct exposure to chemical or physical
3.2.38 inspector, n—a person examining an environment for
agents.
possible contamination with legionella.
3.2.20 drift, n—from water-cooled heat-transfer equipment,
3.2.39 investigator, n—a person conducting an epidemio-
water droplets carried from a cooling tower or other water-
logical investigation of a potential legionellosis outbreak.
cooled heat-transfer system by air movement through the unit;
3.2.40 isolate, n—a microorganism grown from a clinical or
drift can be confused with condensed water vapor appearing as
environmental sample.
steam leaving a unit.
3.2.41 isolate, v—in vitro growth of microorganisms on
3.2.21 drift eliminator, n—a plastic, metal, or wood baffle
culture medium.
designed to entrain water droplets and to reduce aerosol
escape.
3.2.42 Legionella, n—a bacterial genus containing over 50
species and at least 71 serogroups; abbreviated to the first
3.2.22 evaporative condenser, n—a heat exchanger in which
initial when used repeatedly with a species name, for example,
refrigerant is cooled by a combination of air movement and
L. pneumophila.
water spraying.
3.2.22.1 Discussion—Evaporative air coolers (swamp 3.2.43 legionella, n—pl. -ae, a bacterium in the genus
coolers), which do not produce large numbers of water Legionella.
droplets, have not been associated with legionella transmission
3.2.44 legionellosis, n—a respiratory illness caused by or
to date.
associate
...
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