Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium associated with legionellosis, a respiratory infection that can range from a mild febrile illness to severe pneumonia. Serogroup 1 is the serogroup most frequently associated with human disease. The infection is particularly relevant in older adults, immunocompromised individuals, smokers, and patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

Transmission occurs mainly through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols generated by water systems, showers, cooling towers, fountains, or thermal facilities. It may also occur through the aspiration of contaminated water, particularly in vulnerable hospitalised patients. Its investigation is of interest in microbiological, epidemiological, and public health studies.

Certest CLIA Legionella Ag is an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in human urine samples.