A Recurrent Outbreak of Nosocomial Legionnaires' Disease Detected by Urinary Antigen Testing Evidence for Long-Term Colonization of a Hospital Plumbing System

Abstract

There may have been persistent transmission of nosocomial legionnaires' disease at this hospital that went undiscovered for many years because there was no active surveillance for legionnaires' disease. Introduction of a rapid urinary antigen test improved case ascertainment. Legionella species can be established in colonized plumbing systems and may pose a risk for infection over prolonged periods.