Detection and recovery of Legionella in water

Abstract

Methods used to detect Legionella include direct fluorescent antibody stain, genetic probe, and culturing. Culturing is preferred for detecting Legionella pneumophila (Lp) in water; however, recovery rates are affected by treatment of water samples. Experiments with water‐containing Lp showed that (a) a water storage temperature of 4°C results in a slower decline in numbers of Lp as compared with 25, 35, and 45°C; (b) a water sample containing Lp and nonlegionellae microflora is appropriate for quality control of selective media used to isolate Legionella from environmental water specimens; and (c) acid treatment and concentration of water by filtration are effective techniques for isolating Lp from environmental water samples, but they do not yield 100% recovery of Lp cells.