Nosocomial pneumonia caused by water-born Legionella pneumophila in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipient for thalassemia major.

Background: Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 2-14 occurred in a 7-year-old patient following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassemia major.
Case: The patient was diagnosed with nosocomial Legionella pneumophila by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage and culturing Legionella pneumophila serogroup 2-14 from the patient`s room faucet water. Legionella pneumophila was eradicated from our hospital`s water distribution system by superheating and chemical eradication methods (hyper-chlorination and hydrogen peroxide). We did not detect any other case after this event.
Conclusion: Early recognition of contamination of the hospital water system with Legionella proves the importance of prevention in new cases.