[Eradication of Legionella from warm water systems--documentation of our own experiences with thermal disinfection].

A nosocomial case of Legionellosis in a recently built hospital was the reason for an investigation and thermal disinfection of the complete warm water distribution system. Furthermore weak points in the tubing of the warm water system, which promoted the contamination of potable water, were eliminated as far as technically possible. A lasting reduction of the numbers of Legionella spp. isolated could be measured (factor 10-1000), but a complete decontamination of the warm water distribution system was not possible. As Legionella spp. may cause serious infections in immunodeficient patients, additional measures for the disinfection of the hospital water distribution system must be taken into consideration.