Detection of Legionella in Water

Environmental Legionella testing with Legionella PCR kit Legionellosis is caused by Legionella pneumophila and related Legionella bacteria. The severity of the infection varies from a mild febrile illness (Pontiac fever) to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia (Legionnaire’s disease). The main reservoir for Legionella is water and testing of aquatic environments for the presence of waterborne Legionella is implemented in many national standards across the world.

Traditional culture methods are widely used for the detection of Legionella in water samples but these methods are time consuming, often taking up to 2 weeks before a result can be reported. The BIOTECON microproof^® Legionella Quantification LyoKit is a real-time Legionella PCR kit that provides a faster, easier and more precise alternative to culture methods as a Legionella rapid test for water.

FAST RESULTS IN 4 HOURS - A convenient, complete legionella PCR method including DNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR analysis within 4 hours directly from the filter.
100% SPECIFIC - 43 species (119 strains) successfully detected and fully inclusive for Legionella genus.
PRECISE - Detection, differentiation and individual quantification of Legionella spp, L. pneumophila and L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in a single test. Results from this legionella PCR method are displayed in genomic units/mL, compliant with ISO 12869:2012.
SENSITIVE - Limit of quantification is 10 gemonic units, limit of detection is 3 genomic units.
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS - This test is suitable for all relevant sample types, both clear and turbid water. Water filtration is performed according to the recommended ISO protocol.
LIVE / DEAD CELL DIFFERENTIATION - Differentiation of live and dead Legionella cells is performed using BIOTECON Reagent D. This enables the detection and quantification of only the DNA from live waterborne Legionella cells, including the VBNC cells not detected by culture methods.

Biotecon Legionella Quantification LyoKit
Biotecon D-Light ReagentD

Oxford Biosystems will provide full training and technical support, including the equipment required to perform this legionella PCR method. Please contact us for more information.

Legionella FAQ’s

Does the Biotecon PCR test detect all species of Legionella?

Yes, the Biotecon microproof ® Legionella Lyokit will detect all Legionella species, and differentiate L. pneumophila and L. pneumophila serogroup 1.

How long does the test take to perform?

From the filtration of the water sample to the end result is approximately 4 hours.

Can the test be done on site?

No, the test should be performed in a laboratory.

What sort of equipment is needed?

The test requires the standard laboratory equipment for any real-time PCR test. All items can be obtained from Oxford Biosystems – please contact us for further information.

Is training provided?

Full training is provided by qualified staff on all equipment and for all stages of the test and result analysis.

How are the results reported?

Test results are reported in genomic units. Software is provided to enable the user to calculate the genomic units per sample size.

Does the test meet HSE regulations?

This test is validated in accordance to ISO 12869:2012

Won’t PCR detect both live and dead Legionella? So how do you know that treatment has been effective?

The use of Biotecon Reagent D prevents the detection of DNA from dead or damaged Legionella so the result relates only to the presence of the living Legionella in the water sample.

Will results be comparable to ISO 11731?

Not necessarily. Real-time PCR will detect VBNC cells that are not detected by ISO 11731 culture methods.

Can a kit be ordered on-line?

No, kits can be ordered by email sales@oxfordbiosystems.com or by phone 01235 431390

If I use the sample for PCR can I still use it for culture if the result is positive?

Following filtration, cells are rinsed off the filter and left intact. Samples may then be split for PCR processing and separate culturing protocols if desired.