May 9-11, 2018, Dr. Paul Rockswold, MPH, Cogency’s Director of Epidemiology and Public Health presented at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Legionella Conference 2018. Located at the Hilton Baltimore, this conference focused on the prevention and management of Legionella and other pathogens in building water systems. Experts from around the country spoke about how commercial buildings, hospitals, and other facilities can reduce occupant risk.
At this conference, Dr. Rockswold presented two posters. The first, titled “Virulent strains of Legionella in a public water distribution system” discusses the presence of Legionella in the New York City public water system. In a study conducted in Manhattan during the summer of 2017, samples were taken from drinking water fountains, spray showers/public fountains, and public restrooms. These samples were then analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in order to detect the presence of Legionella.
The second poster, titled “Seropositive to Legionella? Review of the Literature and Its Gaps,” evaluates the existing information regarding serology, an examination of blood serum for the presence of antibodies, in various populations. In this case, laboratory tests were used to potentially identify prior disease (Legionnaire’s), even in the absence of symptoms. This was used as a measure of how many people may be exposed and are then asymptomatic or have subclinical cases.
Stay tuned for more announcements about Cogency speaking engagements!
For more information about Legionella, Legionnaire’s disease outbreaks and how to reduce your facility’s risk, contact the experts at Cogency at solutions@cogencyteam.com