Legionella spp. Monitoring in the Water Supply Systems of Accommodation Facilities in Sardinia, Italy: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease is a significant public health concern worldwide. A high number of cases are reported every year among travellers who stay at guest houses, hotels, and spas. Indeed, hot water systems, showers, and air-conditioning systems can be contaminated by Legionella, which grows at 25–42 °C. Studies have shown that in Sardinia, especially during the summer months, the water circulation in the hotels’ pipes is exposed to extremely high temperatures. As a result, this study was conducted to assess the colonization of hotel water systems by Legionella in Sardinia, concerning a recent EU directive 2020/2184 for drinking water with a limit of 1000 CFU /L. Methods. A total of 112 accommodation facilities were analyzed, of which 61.3% were found to be colonized with Legionella, and out of a total of 807 samples, 32.5% were positive for Legionella presence. The results showed a higher number of positive samples in the summer season. This was also associated with the higher concentration presence of >1000 CFU/L in the samples. Consequently, this study confirms that local hotel operators should improve their water safety and prevention plans, especially in spring and summer.