title: Rapid detection of Legionella species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids with the EnviroAmp Legionella PCR amplification and detection kit.
abstract: A molecular assay based on a rapid DNA extraction protocol and the EnviroAmp Legionella Kits was used to detect Legionella species in bronchoalveolar fluid specimens. All Legionella strains isolated from tap water in hospitals could be detected distinctly. Both sensitivity and specificity were tested. In a prospective study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids obtained from patients with atypical pneumonia were investigated. Three positive samples were detected with the molecular techniques and were subsequently confirmed by culture. Application of the system described may lead to safe and early diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease in patients with atypical pneumonia.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Hygiene, KF-University Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Reinthaler
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pschaid
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pierer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kleinhappl
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eber
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marth
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016952:Legionella pneumophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial