[Fatal travel-associated legionella infection caused by shower aerosols in a German hotel].

A 64-year old man died from a travel-associated legionella pneumonia six weeks after onset of the disease. A shower nozzle, contaminated with legionellae, in a German hotel was traced as the source of infection. Strains of Legionella pneumophila, serogroup 2, were isolated from the bronchial secretion as well as from the shower water of the suspected sanitary room and from a swab from the shower nozzle and the aerosol of the shower. All strains were found to be identical according to the Fourier-Transform-Infrared-Spectroscopy. The concentration of legionellae in the shower water was 15,000 per ml. The risk of travel-associated legionella pneumonia existing also in Germany is pointed out, and it is demanded that in respect of the water quality of hotels the same regulations of sanitary hygiene should be enforced as for hospitals.