Natural Biofilm Formation with Legionella pneumophila [chapter]

Emilie Portier, Yann Héchard
2012 Msphere  
Legionella pneumophila, the aetiological agent of 90% of legionellosis cases, is a co mmon inhabitant of natural and in man-made aquatic environments, where it's able to reside in biofilms. These biofilms represent a sophisticated network of metabolic and architectural interactions, which concentrates nutrients and protects the microbial residents fro m physical, chemical and b iological hazards. L. pneumophila can form biofilms, where they become integrated and survive for days to weeks in
more » ... r distribution systems depending of the environmental conditions. The materials of water distribution systems varied in their ab ilit ies to support biofilm develop ment and the growth of L. pneumophila. Our aims of this study are to determine the kinetic of ability two strains serogroups L. pneumophila to adhere and form biofilm on three different surfaces (stainless galvanized, Copper and polyethylene) co mmonly used in hot water distribution system in Morocco at three growth temperatures 20, 37 and 44℃. L. pneumophila serogroup 2-15 revealed h igh capability to adhere and form b iofilm on the stainless steel and polyethylene than serogroup 1 in 37℃ assayed incubation temperature than at 20 and 44℃. In contrast, copper was found may be to inhib it both biofilm g rowth and the colonization o f water systems by L. pneumophila at all temperatures tested. In conclure, the selection of the suitable pipe material capable minimize the possibility of b iofilm develop ment associated in hot water d istribution systems and reduce Legionnaires' disease.
doi:10.1007/978-1-62703-161-5_11 pmid:23150397 fatcat:6bghop7iija3fifml3nwfnszm4