Rapid test for Legionella pneumophila
Legionellosis is a serious pneumonia caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella (family Legionellaceae). Legionella bacteria are readily found in fresh water, cooling towers and potable water systems. Cough can be the first sign of infection; other common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chest pain and shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also common. Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted by aerosol, and there is no evidence for direct person-to-person transmission. Diagnosis of legionellosis can be difficult because signs and symptoms are non-specific and do not distinguish L. pneumophila infections from other common causes of pneumonia. One of the most common diagnostic methods is the detection of urinary antigen in urine. Urinary antigen is detected as early as one day after onset of symptoms and remains detectable for days or even weeks. This technique combines sensitivity and high specificity with rapid results. The Legionella V-TesT detects soluble antigen from L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in urine. The test was evaluated on 300 samples in a reference lab for respiratory diseases and demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.6 % and a specificity of 97.7 %.
Supplier: Coris Bioconcept
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