Detection of Legionella species in respiratory specimens using PCR with sequencing confirmation
- PMID: 10790085
- PMCID: PMC86568
- DOI: 10.1128/JCM.38.5.1709-1712.2000
Detection of Legionella species in respiratory specimens using PCR with sequencing confirmation
Abstract
Legionella spp. are a common cause of community-acquired respiratory tract infections and an occasional cause of nosocomial pneumonia. A PCR method for the detection of legionellae in respiratory samples was evaluated and was compared to culture. The procedure can be performed in 6 to 8 h with a commercially available DNA extraction kit (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) and by PCR with gel detection. PCR is performed with primers previously determined to amplify a 386-bp product within the 16S rRNA gene of Legionella pneumophila. We can specifically detect the clinically significant Legionella species including L. pneumophila, L. micdadei, L. longbeachae, L. bozemanii, L. feeleii, and L. dumoffii. The assay detects 10 fg (approximately two organisms) of legionella DNA in each PCR. Of 212 clinical specimens examined by culture, 100% of the culture-positive samples (31 of 31) were positive by this assay. By gel detection of amplification products, 12 of 181 culture-negative samples were positive for Legionella species by PCR, resulting in 93% specificity. Four of the 12 samples with discrepant results (culture negative, PCR positive) were confirmed to be positive for Legionella species by sequencing of the amplicons. The legionella-specific PCR assay that is described demonstrates high sensitivity and high specificity for routine detection of legionellae in respiratory samples.
References
-
- Bender L, Ott M, Marre R, Hacker J. Genome analysis of Legionella spp. by orthogonal field alternation gel electrophoresis (OFAGE) FEMS Microbiol Let. 1990;60:253–257. - PubMed
-
- Benson R F, Fields B S. Classification of the genus Legionella. Semin Respir Infect. 1998;13:90–99. - PubMed
-
- Breiman R F, Butler J C. Legionnaires' disease: clinical, epidemiological, and public health perspectives. Semin Respir Infect. 1998;13:84–89. - PubMed
-
- Cunha B A. Clinical features of Legionnaires' disease. Semin Respir Infect. 1998;13:116–127. - PubMed
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Molecular Biology Databases
Miscellaneous