Legionella pneumophila
The test kit designed to detect Legionella pneumophila DNA in patient biomaterial by PCR.Category «Respiratory tract infections»
Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative, aerobic rod-shaped bacterium that causes legionellosis (Legionnaires’ disease) and Pontiac fever. It poses a particular risk to immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, smokers, and patients with chronic lung diseases.
L. pneumophila primarily inhabits aquatic environments, including freshwater bodies with stagnant water, as well as artificial water systems such as air conditioning systems, hot tubs in water parks, and humidifiers.
Transmission of Legionella pneumophila occurs mainly via the aerosol route:
- Inhalation of water aerosols containing bacteria, for example in showers or near air conditioners and humidifiers;
- Accidental aspiration of contaminated water;
- Transplacental transmission from mother to fetus (rare).
- A toxin causing systemic intoxication;
- Outer membrane proteins that promote adhesion and entry into macrophages;
- The ability to survive and replicate intracellularly within macrophages;
- Enzymes (proteases, phospholipases) that damage cell membranes, cause hemolysis of erythrocytes, and injure host cell components.
The risk of infection depends on the concentration of Legionella in water, the formation and spread of aerosols, and individual patient factors such as age and comorbidities. The virulence of a particular Legionella strain also plays an important role.
Once inside the body, Legionella pneumophila is taken up by alveolar macrophages, where it multiplies and triggers an inflammatory response in lung tissue. It causes two clinical forms of disease:
- Legionnaires’ disease (severe pneumonia), characterized by high fever, cough, dyspnea, and possible involvement of the central nervous system and kidneys;
- Pontiac fever (non-pneumonic form), which presents as an acute febrile illness with flu-like symptoms.
Severe forms of infection are more likely in individuals who are:
- Immunocompromised;
- Elderly;
- Affected by chronic lung diseases;
- Smokers;
- Receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
The non-pneumonic form is usually self-limiting and does not require treatment. Legionnaires’ disease requires antibiotic therapy, typically including macrolides (e.g., azithromycin), fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin), or tetracyclines. Treatment duration is usually 10–14 days, and up to 21 days in severe cases.
Indications for the test
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Severe community-acquired pneumonia; -
Pneumonia in immunocompromised patients; -
Suspected legionellosis in outbreak settings; -
Fever of unknown origin after travel; -
Monitoring the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy; -
Differential diagnosis of atypical pneumonias; -
Evaluation of patients from high-risk groups.
Legionella pneumophila
The Legionella pneumophila REAL-TIME PCR Detection Kit is designed to detect Legionella pneumophila nucleic acids in human biological samples with an aid of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method.
Sample: Phlegm, bronchoalveolar lavage
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