Legionella

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection of Legionella species (including Legionella pneumophila)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	Culture and PCR ○ BAL ○ Bronchial washings/brush specimens ○ Lung aspirates ○ Pleural fluid ○ Tissue/biopsy (e.g. open lung, transbronchial lung) ○ Sputum Antigen detection ○ Urine

Other Information

○ Urine specimens should be collected during the acute phase of illness. Urinary antigens may be present between 3 days after to 1 year after symptom onset. This test will not detect infections caused by other Legionella pneumophila serogroups and by other Legionella species.
○ The Legionella species PCR has been shown to cross react with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. No such cross reaction has been found with the L. pneumophila specific target. Results should be interpreted in the clinical context of the patient.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Respiratory specimen: Sterile container (with small amount of normal saline for tissues), 1mL for liquid specimens
○ Urine: sterile container (min volume 2mL) (antigen testing only)

Collection Requirements

○ Respiratory specimen: Sterile container (with small amount of normal saline for tissues), 1mL for liquid specimens
○ Urine: sterile container (min volume 2mL) (antigen testing only)

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ 4 days (PCR); up to15 days for culture
○ 2 days (urine antigen)

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4549

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) immediately after collection.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing