Legionella spp. in air-conditioning systems of public facilities in the Sarajevo Canton: The role of management and employee absenteeism

Introduction: Legionella spp. is opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that cause two forms of the disease: more severe, more frequently diagnosed - Legionnaires' disease, and milder, less frequently diagnosed Pontiac fever. Research objectives: The primary objective of the study was to examine the presence of Legionella spp. in the air conditioning systems of the studied facilities. Methods: The study was conducted in the Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research included air conditioning systems in public facilities. Sampling was carried out over a two-year period. Water samples and samples collected using the wet swab method were obtained. The samples were laboratory analyzed for the presence of Legionella spp. in accordance with a standard method. During the period of sample analysis, the laboratory was undergoing accreditation in accordance with the relevant standard. A survey was also conducted in the included facilities. Results: Legionella spp. was detected in air conditioning devices of 8 (21%) facilities. No relation was established between knowledge, external education and management with bacterial colonization. Internal training of employees is carried out in three (37.5%) facilities compared to eight facilities in which bacteria were detected (p<0.05). Also, bacteria detected in 4 (40%) facilities where employee absenteeism was associated with respiratory diseases (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for a systemic approach to risk management and the improvement of practices that contribute to safer stay of users and employees in the air-conditioned spaces of public facilities in the Sarajevo Canton. Keywords: Legionella, Bacterial Colonization, Education, Risk Factors, Facility Users