BioAlert Lp15
Legionella Pneumophila is a bacterium found in industrial and commercial water systems. When this pathogen is released through water droplets in the air and inhaled by people nearby, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a rare form of pneumonia that is fatal for 10 to 15% of its victims. This bacterium is responsible for major outbreaks that can affect an organisation’s financial stability and reputation.
In Australia, the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease, the most severe form of Legionellosis, has increased over the past decade. According to data from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, case numbers in 2019 had increased by more than 70% from the average during the period 2010 – 2016. Recently, around 500 cases are reported each year in Australia, but many more may go unconfirmed, said experts from Flinders University, after recently finding more than 40% of drinking water tested positive for L. pneumophila[1].
While Legionnaires’ disease is relatively rare, it can be severe and potentially life-threatening, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying health conditions. It is therefore important to take appropriate measures to control and manage the risk of Legionella in water systems.
Only continuous monitoring can ensure proper risk management for water systems, which are subject to strict regulations regarding Legionella control. Currently, bacterial detection procedures can take up to 14 days before providing results and are also very complex and lengthy, increasing the risks associated with Legionella contamination. This is why BioAlert Solutions developed a breakthrough technology in the field of bacterial detection: BioAlert Lp15.
