CONTEXT

Legionella are Gram negative bacilli that cause a potentially serious pneumopathy know as “legionnaire’s disease” or legionellosis and a benign flu-like syndrome known as “ Pontiac fever”. Contamination can occur by inhaling water micro-doplets containing bacteria, in particular when using hot water for sanitary purposes, mainly from showering and via air conditioning units. Legionellosis mortality rate can be as high as 10%; this disease poses a difficult problem as regards prevention, in particular in hospitals and in termal facilities.

There is a great need for a method and units that can destroy Legionella effectively, without involving a deleterious secondary effect, such as the toxic effects of chlorine, and which can be operated permanently in an economic manner.