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Viability ofLegionella pneumophila in choline-free water at elevated temperatures

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Abstract

Sterilization values were determined forLegionella pneumophila in chlorine-free, chlorine-demand-free water at elevated temperatures. These values were calculated from experimentally determined D values of 2500 min, 380 min, 13.93 min, 0.74 min, and 0.45 min at 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, and 66°C, respectively. D values, Z value and temperature coefficient do not indicate unusual thermal resistance. Sterilization values, the minimum time required to eliminate an aquatic population ofL. pneumophila at a given test temperature, indicate that temperatures greater than about 65°C may not be necessary for efficient disinfection of potable quality water. These values and monitoring of time and temperature parameters can help predict the efficacy of in situ heat treatment of potable quality waters harboringL. pneumophila.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, Center for Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control, 30333, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    G. N. Sanden, B. S. Fields & J. M. Barbaree

  2. Pathogen Control Associates, Lilburn, Georgia, USA

    J. C. Feeley

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  1. G. N. Sanden
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  2. B. S. Fields
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  3. J. M. Barbaree
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  4. J. C. Feeley
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Sanden, G.N., Fields, B.S., Barbaree, J.M. et al. Viability ofLegionella pneumophila in choline-free water at elevated temperatures. Current Microbiology 18, 61–65 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568833

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