What are cooling towers and Legionella bacteria? [Basic Knowledge]

Why do they parasitize and multiply in amoebas? An explanation of the risks and symptoms of Legionella bacteria.

■Why do Legionella bacteria increase in cooling towers? The water temperature in air conditioning cooling water systems generally ranges from 10°C to 40°C. The optimal temperature for the growth of Legionella bacteria is around 36°C (the temperature range for proliferation is 25°C to 43°C), and from May to September, the water temperature in cooling systems approaches the optimal temperature for the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. ■How do Legionella bacteria proliferate? Legionella bacteria are known to proliferate by parasitizing amoebas. Environments where slime develops on the cooling tower itself or on the walls of pipes are believed to promote the growth of Legionella bacteria. ■What is Legionnaires' disease? The main forms of Legionnaires' disease are severe Legionella pneumonia and mild Pontiac fever. Legionella pneumonia begins with symptoms such as general fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, and muscle pain, and can progress to coughing, high fever above 38°C, chills, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Rarely, symptoms outside the lungs, such as myocarditis, may also occur. ■How can risks be prevented? Regular water quality management, such as controlling the water temperature and preventing slime formation, is key to preventing the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. Please feel free to consult us for more information.

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