Is it true that the disease caused by Legionella pneumophila originated in the toilet tanks of older hotels?

The statement that the disease caused by Legionella pneumophila originated in the toilet tanks of older hotels is not accurate. Legionnaires' disease is primarily associated with aerosolized water from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems rather than toilet tanks specifically. The bacterium Legionella pneumophila thrives in warm water environments, and outbreaks have been linked to large building water systems where water can stagnate and become a breeding ground for the bacteria.

Research indicates that the conditions conducive to the growth of Legionella include temperatures between 20°C and 50°C, with optimal growth around 35°C to 45°C. While older hotels could potentially have outdated plumbing systems that increase risk, it is not accurate to attribute the origin of the disease solely to toilet tanks. The bacterium is more commonly found in systems that can disperse water droplets into the air, making it a public health concern in various settings beyond just hotels.

In sum, the understanding of how Legionella pneumophila is transmitted points to various water-related systems rather than just those found in toilet tanks, which supports the reasoning for opting for the answer that indicates the statement is false.