Environmental Sampling and Cultures

Abstract

Abstract Legionella spp. are generally found in aquatic environments. The processing method to use depends on the sample type, potable or nonpotable, and the expected concentrations of Legionella spp. and background microbiota. Limit of detection, expressed in colony‐forming units/mL, is determined by several factors in the processing of a water sample. Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at risk for the development of endotoxin‐mediated pyrogenic reactions, Gram‐negative bacteremia with sepsis, and chronic inflammatory response syndrome. The presence of heterotrophic bacteria is indicative of contamination from improperly treated water or presence of biofilm growth. Air is the medium that transports fungi from sources such as soil, construction disturbances, and moldy hospital environments. Air sampling should not be initiated lightly, since the conduct and interpretation of air cultures for fungi are relatively complex. This chapter presents the considerations before undertaking environmental surface sampling.

Symptom Clusters