Rapid Lateral-Flow Assay Identifies Legionella

A new rapid lateral-flow assay enables the simultaneous identification of all Legionella species. The most prominent species, Legionella pneumophila, can be identified separately using the same assay.

The new test, called Duopath Legionella, is available from Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany). It can be used for confirmation of suspect colonies obtained after enrichment of water or environmental samples on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) agar medium or BCYE with Legionella-selective supplements. The test is highly sensitive and lowers the risk of false-negative results. In a comparative study with the widely used latex-agglutination assay, the sensitivity of Duopath Legionella was shown to be 100% for Legionella pneumophila and 92% for Legionella species, while the latex assay provided only 98% and 37%, respectively.

All warm water samples that are not heated above 56°C are potential sources of Legionella. Thus, water systems in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools are frequently analyzed for the presence of Legionella. Some countries require water testing for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, but many countries require analysis for all Legionella species. Duopath Legionella can be used by microbiology laboratories that analyze water samples from various sources (e.g., drinking water from water pipes, warmed pool or shower water, water from cooling towers, and air conditioners).

The assay extends Merck's Singlepath/Duopath lateral-flow program for the rapid and convenient detection and confirmation of Salmonella, Listeria spp., Escherichia coli O157, verotoxin-producing E coli, and Campylobacter. Duopath Legionella is perfectly adapted to Merck's range of culture media for the enrichment of Legionellae.



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