New Findings in Legionnaires' Disease Described from Kobe Institute of Health (Prevalence and Genetic Distribution of legionella Spp. In Public Bath Facilities In Kobe City, Japan).

A recent study conducted by the Kobe Institute of Health in Japan investigated the prevalence and genetic distribution of Legionella spp. in public bath facilities in Kobe City. The researchers found that Legionella israelensis, L. londiniensis, L. micdadei, and L. pneumophila were present in hot springs, with a specific novel genotype identified in hot springs. However, the same genotypes were not found in clinical strains. The study concluded that this surveillance is valuable for understanding the sources of legionellosis infection in Japan and developing prevention strategies. [Extracted from the article]