An unprecedented outbreak investigation for nosocomial and community-acquired legionellosis in Hong Kong.

Background: The environmental sources associated with community-acquired or nosocomial legionellosis were not always detectable in the mainland of China and Hong Kong, China. The objective of this study was to illustrate the control measures implemented for nosocomial and community outbreaks of legionellosis, and to understand the environmental distribution of legionella in the water system in Hong Kong, China.

Methods: We investigated the environmental sources of two cases of legionellosis acquired in the hospital and the community by extensive outbreak investigation and sampling of the potable water system using culture and genetic testing at the respective premises.

Risk factors for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in Hong Kong.

Objectives: The risk factors for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection were not well understood. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with CA-MRSA infection in Hong Kong.

Methods: We carried out a matched case control study.

Prevalence of subclinical infection by the SARS coronavirus among general practitioners in Hong Kong.

Eight general practitioners had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong during the epidemic, and others may have been infected by the SARS coronavirus without developing the full syndrome. We conducted a serological and questionnaire survey to determine the prevalence of subclinical infection by SARS coronavirus among general practitioners in Hong Kong. Participants had to be doctors actively practising in family medicine and who did not have SARS.