Does better identification of the Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 strains by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT) allow for the implementation of more effective contamination control strategies and more targeted intervention measures?

This is the first report in Italy where environmental strains of L. pneumophila isolated from a large geographical area have been identified using SBT. This study confirms that the circulation of some STs is correlated with the development of cluster epidemics in the community or even isolated cases of nosocomial origin. Better identification of the strains which cause the majority of disease would allow for more targeted intervention measures.