A Simple , Specific , and Rapid Lateral-Flow Immunochromatographic Test Method for Detection of Legionella pneumophila in Water Samples

To control and determine the cause of clustered cases of respiratory disease, a means of rapid assessment of contamination of environmental water samples with Legionella pneumophila (Lp) was developed. An Lp specific antibody was identified that functions in a lateral flow immunoassay. Colloidal gold particles coated with the antibody recognizes Lp and coupled with biotin-labeled antibody capture the bacterial cells and migrate to a test line, which indicates the presence of the pathogen that is visible within 15 minutes. The sensitivity of the assay is 10 5 CFU/ml demonstrated by detection of Lp in water samples. Cross reaction wasn’t observed with three other bacterial species: B. anthracis, E. coli and S. aureus, even in the background of a turbid field-collected water sample. These lateral flow immunochromatographic assays for Lp are selective, relatively sensitive, extremely rapid, and easily performed outside of the laboratory.

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