If Legionella is detected in a sample from a decorative fountain, which is an inappropriate factor to consider for further action?

If Legionella is detected in a sample from a decorative fountain, which is an inappropriate factor to consider for further action?

• A. The presence of Legionella species
• B. The difference in Legionella concentrations of pre-flush and post-flush samples
• C. The location of the fountain
• D. The water temperature in the fountain

Answer: (B)

The detection of Legionella in a sample from a decorative fountain necessitates consideration of various important factors to inform further actions. Among these, the difference in Legionella concentrations of pre-flush and post-flush samples is the main focus for further evaluating risks and determining necessary management steps. Examining Legionella concentrations before and after flushing provides critical information on the effectiveness of the flushing procedure and the potential persistence of the bacteria in the system. High concentrations before flushing compared to lower counts after suggest that flushing is beneficial in reducing bacterial load, while similar or no reduction may imply underlying issues in the fountain's water management or potential biofilm presence. In contrast, the other factors—presence of Legionella species, the location of the fountain, and water temperature—are all relevant to understanding the broader context of the fountain's environment and the specific risks involved. The species of Legionella can have different pathogenic potentials, the location may influence public exposure, and water temperature can significantly affect bacterial growth and survival. Thus, while assessing Legionella levels is key, the differences between pre-flush and post-flush samples directly relate to immediate responses and operational effectiveness, making it the least appropriate factor to consider in this context.

The detection of Legionella in a sample from a decorative fountain necessitates consideration of various important factors to inform further actions. Among these, the difference in Legionella concentrations of pre-flush and post-flush samples is the main focus for further evaluating risks and determining necessary management steps.

Examining Legionella concentrations before and after flushing provides critical information on the effectiveness of the flushing procedure and the potential persistence of the bacteria in the system. High concentrations before flushing compared to lower counts after suggest that flushing is beneficial in reducing bacterial load, while similar or no reduction may imply underlying issues in the fountain's water management or potential biofilm presence.

In contrast, the other factors—presence of Legionella species, the location of the fountain, and water temperature—are all relevant to understanding the broader context of the fountain's environment and the specific risks involved. The species of Legionella can have different pathogenic potentials, the location may influence public exposure, and water temperature can significantly affect bacterial growth and survival.

Thus, while assessing Legionella levels is key, the differences between pre-flush and post-flush samples directly relate to immediate responses and operational effectiveness, making it the least appropriate factor to consider in this context.