title: Identification of Legionella Pneumophila in Intubated Patients With TaqMan Real Time PCR.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Legionellaceae contains Legionella genus with over 52 species and 64 serogroups. It is one of the most important causes of respiratory disease in human. More than 30% of hospital-acquired pneumonia is caused by Legionella. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection acquired in hospital wards, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU). This disease approximately affects 9% to 20% of intubated patients. Mortality in these patients varies between 8% and 76%. Legionella is one of the important factors for infection in intubated patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was aimed to investigate the use of molecular methods in diagnosis of infection caused by Legionella pneumophila.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 109 samples of lung secretions collected from intubated patients admitted to ICU wards of four university hospitals in a three-month period were examined. Cultivation and Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods were used to assess L. pneumophila colonization in these samples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven samples had positive results using real time PCR analysis of 16s rRNA gene fragments specific for L. pneumophila, but according to culture method on specific buffered charcoal-yeast extract medium (BCYE), no positive cases were detected. Of the total positive cases, six were males, one female and four infants. The seven adults aged 40-65 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using molecular methods in diagnosis of infection caused by L. pneumophila has a great value because of its high specificity and rapid diagnosis potency.
authors.affiliation: Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Nader
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Divan Khosroshahi
authors.affiliation: Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Taghi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Naserpour Farivar
authors.affiliation: Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Pouran
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Johari
keywords: Cross Infection; Legionella pneumophila; Patients; Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
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