<i>Legionella</i> spp. Colonization on Non-Passenger Ships Calling at Belgian Ports

Abstract

The association of cases of Legionnaires’ disease and ships has been well documented. Results from potable water samples collected for microbiological analysis during SSC inspections conducted from 2010 to 2018 at Belgian ports were analyzed in order to evaluate the level of colonization on non-passenger ships. Results indicate a high degree of colonization (77.2% of the ships were found to be colonized with Legionella spp. at least once) and further analysis is recommended to examine possible factors associated with colonization. Inspections for issuance of SSC should focus on water safety and prevention of Legionnaires’ disease.

Keywords

• <i>Legionella</i>
• potable water
• ships
• SSC inspections