Hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease: new developments.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease is being increasingly discovered with the advent of rapid diagnostic techniques. This review examines both the clinical and political aspects of this important problem.

RECENT FINDINGS: New sources are being recognized, including the water supply of pediatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Concern by the public, unfavorable publicity and litigation are now emerging as hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease is coming under scrutiny by the lay media.

SUMMARY: Pro-active approaches to environmental detection and disinfection of hospital water systems are being demanded by public officials in place of the passive approach favored by many public health agencies.