Legionella

Detection of Legionella species (including Legionella pneumophila)
Microbiology
Bacteriology
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.
○ 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)

○ 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)

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ 4 days (PCR); up to15 days for culture
○ 2 days (urine antigen)
416-586-4800 extension 4549
NO
○ 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