title: Environmental factors associated with nosocomial legionellosis after anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: case study.
abstract: In response to 2 reported cases of nosocomial legionellosis after anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment, the environmental controls and testing facilities in a 221-bed acute care hospital were investigated. This investigation led to the implementation of a series of specific preventive measures adapted from protocols used to protect immunosuppressed patients. These 2 cases of legionellosis might be related to 2 concurrent events: treatment of hospitalized patients with anti-TNF drugs and secondary environmental changes related to major construction work. Patients undergoing anti-TNF treatment may be at increased risk for developing opportunistic infections during construction work, renovations, or water supply perturbations and require specific preventive measures.
authors: Laurentian Regional Health and Social Agency, Saint-Jérôme, QC, Canada.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Boivin
authors: Marie-Claude
authors: MC
authors: Lacombe
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Lalancette
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Allard
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Bordeleau
authors: Guy
authors: G
authors: Laverdure
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; C439524:TNF protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha