Detection ofLegionella pneumophilain environmental water samples using a fluorescein conjugated monoclonal antibody

Abstract

SUMMARYSixty-three environmental water samples from various sources were examined for the presence ofLegionella pneumophilawith a commercially available direct fluorescent monoclonal antibody (GS), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and culture. GS detectedL. pneumophilain 94% and 100% of environmental water samples which were culture and IFAT positive forL. pneumophila, respectively. IFAT detected 69% ofL. pneumophilaculture positive samples. Cultures ofL. pneumophilaserogroups 1 to 12, 14 and nonL. pneumophilabacteria which may be found in water, and bacteria containing non-specific binding proteins, were stained by GS and IFAT. GS identified all serogroups ofL. pneumophilaand did not cross react with any non-L. pneumophilabacteria.L. pneumophilain environmental samples was easy to detect against a clear dark background when stained with GS.