Test Summary

This test is intended for the qualitative detection of DNA from Legionella pneumophila and other pathogenic Legionella species in patients at risk for legionellosis.

Most species of the bacteria Legionella are pathogenic and can cause respiratory infections that present as either Legionnaires? disease or Pontiac fever, which are collectively referred to as legionellosis. Transmission most commonly occurs via inhalation of aerosolized water containing the bacteria. Risk factors include age ≥50, smoking, chronic lung disease, immune system disorders due to illness or medication, a recent stay outside the home, systemic malignancy, underlying illnesses such as diabetes or renal failure, and exposure to hot tubs (1).

A detected Legionella pneumophila result is consistent with the presence of DNA from any serotype of L. pneumophila, while the presence of DNA above the limit of detection from most species of clinically relevant Legionella species, including but not limited to L. pneumophila, L. longbeachae, L. micdadei, L. dumoffii, L. feeleii and L. bozemanii, will cause a detected Legionella species result.

This test is faster and generally more sensitive than culture-based tests, and it allows for the detection of a wider range of targets as compared to urine antigen tests, which typically only detect specific serotypes of L. pneumophila. It does not, however, detect all species of Legionella and may not detect L. jordanis and L. oakridgensis.

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