Legionella 'common' in compost brands, Strathclyde University study finds

Legionella bacteria appears to be "common" in many compost brands sold in the UK, a study has found.

A team from Strathclyde University in Glasgow tested 22 different brands of compost and found that 14 contained a variety of Legionella species.

It says a larger survey is needed to determine the extent of the issue.

The study, "Legionella spp. in UK composts - a potential public health issue", is published by Clinical Microbiology and Infection.

Read more - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-24348811

If you would like information on Legionella testing and control, visit - http://www.akvo.co.uk/legionella-control--water-hygiene.html

Legionella link to Royal Caribbean 'not definitive'

An ex-captain's death from Legionella cannot be definitively linked to a cruise ship, an inquest has heard.

Tore Myhra, 57, died in a Miami hospital in November 2009, four days after becoming ill on board a Royal Caribbean cruise.

An inquest in Norwich heard the ship tested negative for Legionella.

Norfolk assistant deputy coroner David Osborne said: "It's not possible to definitively say the ship was more likely than not the source."

But, he added, some water samples were taken only after "remediation" had been carried out because a passenger on the ship's previous cruise died of Legionella on her return to the UK.

Read more - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24571431

For information on Legionella control, visit - http://www.akvo.co.uk/legionella-control--water-hygiene.html

Legionella

Legionellosis is the collective name given to the pneumonia-like illness caused by legionella bacteria. This includes the most serious legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. Read more - http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-is.htm