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DRYSPOT LEGIONELLA LATEX TEST

Code: DR0200, DR0210, DR0220

Introduction
The Oxoid Dryspot Legionella Latex Test is a latex agglutination test for the identification of Legionella species isolated either from patients with suspected legionellosis or from environmental sources. The Oxoid Dryspot Legionella Latex Test allows separate identification of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, serogroups 2–14 and seven other Legionella species that have been implicated in human disease.

Principle of the Test
Legionella pneumophila has been shown to be a major cause of both pneumonia and an acute self limiting febrile disease called Pontiac Fever. Legionella pneumophila strains and other Legionella species are isolated predominantly from patients with pneumonia and from the environment (mainly water).
Legionella pneumophila is the most common cause of Legionnaires’ disease. At present, 14 different serotypes are known of which serogroup 1 accounts for 90% of cases. Rare isolations have also been made from sites other than the respiratory tract such as wound abscesses. The major reservoirs of Legionella species appear to be fresh water sites, air-conditioning units, cooling towers and water plumbing fixtures. The Oxoid Dryspot Legionella Latex Test uses antibody-sensitised blue latex particles dried onto cards. The latex will agglutinate in the presence of specific Legionella cell wall antigens to form visible clumps. The tests provide a fast and simple screening procedure for pathogenic Legionella species and serotypes.^1,2

Components of the Kits

DR0200 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 Test Kit
DR0201 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 Test Cards. Blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen and dried onto cards (Test reaction area). Blue latex particles sensitised with non-reactive rabbit globulins (Control reaction area). Two pouches each containing 10 cards and a moisture-absorbent sachet. There are 3 Test and 3 Control reaction areas on each test card – 60 tests in total.
DR0205 Positive Control Strips (10 Sticks – pink spots). Pink-dyed inactivated polyvalent antigenic extract of Legionella pneumophila 1 strains dried onto strips.
DR0240 Negative Control Strips (10 Sticks – green spots). Green-dyed inactivated antigenic extract of Legionella moravica and Legionella birminghamensis dried onto strips.
DR0230 Dryspot Legionella Buffer Mixing Paddles Plastic Pouch Clip for storage of opened pouches Instruction Leaflet.

DR0210 Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2–14 Test Kit
DR0211 Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2–14 Test Cards. Blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2–14 antigen and dried onto cards (Test reaction area). Blue latex particles sensitised with non-reactive rabbit globulins (Control reaction area). Two pouches each containing 10 cards and a moisture-absorbent sachet. There are 3 Test and 3 Control reaction areas on each test card – 60 tests in total.
DR0215 Positive Control Strips (10 Sticks – pink spots). Pink-dyed inactivated polyvalent antigenic extract of Legionella pneumophila 2–14 strains dried onto strips.
DR0240 Negative Control Strips (10 Sticks – green spots). Green-dyed inactivated antigenic extract of Legionella moravica and Legionella birminghamensis dried onto strips.
DR0230 Dryspot Legionella Buffer Mixing Paddles Plastic Pouch Clip for storage of opened pouches
Instruction Leaflet.

DR0220 Legionella species Test Kit
DR0221 Legionella species Test Cards. Blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with the following species and serotypes: Legionella longbeachae 1 and 2, Legionella bozemanii 1 and 2, Legionella dumoffii, Legionella gormanii, Legionella jordanis, Legionella micdadei, Legionella anisa dried onto cards (Test reaction area). Blue latex particles sensitised with non-reactive rabbit
globulins (Control reaction area). Two pouches each containing 10 cards and a moisture-absorbent sachet. There are 3 Test and 3 Control reaction areas on each test card – 60 tests in total.
DR0225 Positive Control Strips (10 Sticks – pink spots). Pink-dyed inactivated polyvalent antigenic extract of Legionella species dried onto strips.
DR0240 Negative Control Strips (10 Sticks – green spots). Green-dyed inactivated antigenic extract of Legionella moravica and Legionella birminghamensis dried onto strips.
DR0230 Dryspot Legionella Buffer Mixing Paddles Plastic Pouch Clip for storage of opened pouches Instruction Leaflet.

Materials required but not provided:
Sterile microbiological loop.
Suitable laboratory disinfectant e.g. sodium hypochlorite solution >1.3% w/v.

Storage and Opening
These kits must be stored between 2-25°C. If stored in a cold environment, allow pouches to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation of moisture on the cards. The Dryspot reagents will deteriorate and may give false results if they are allowed to absorb moisture. Once opened, remove the number of cards required for immediate testing (testing within the next 10 minutes) and re-seal the pouch immediately by clamping the open end of the bag between the two halves of the plastic clip provided. The Control Sticks are also provided in a moisture-impermeable pouch. Ensure that the same techniques are used to avoid moisture damage. The kits should not be used after the expiry date printed on the label.

Precautions
The Buffer DR0230 contains a mild corrosive agent. Avoid direct contact by wearing suitable protective equipment. If the material comes into contact with the skin, mucous membranes or eyes immediately wash the areas by rinsing with plenty of water.

References
1. Sedgwick, A. K. and Tilton, R. C. (1983). J. Clin. Microbiol., 17: 365–368.
2. Ciesielski, C. A., Blaser, M. J. and Wang, W. L. (1986). Infect. Immun., 51: 397–404.
3. Dennis, P. J. L. (1988). Isolation of Legionellae from Environmental Specimens p. 31–34. In Harrison, T. G. and Taylor, A. G. (eds). A Laboratory Manual for Legionellae. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, UK.
4. Dournon, E. (1988). Isolation of Legionellae from Clinical Specimen p. 13–30. In Harrison, T. G. and Taylor, A. G. (eds). A Laboratory Manual for Legionella. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, UK.
5. Cowan and Steel’s Manual for the Identification of Medical Bacteria 3rd ed. Barrow, G. I. and Feltham, R. K. A. (eds) (1993). p. 161–163. University Press, London.
6. Harrison, T. G. and Taylor, A. G. (1988). Identification of Legionellae by Serological Methods. In Harrison, T. G. and Taylor, A. G. (eds). A Laboratory Manual for Legionella. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, UK.
7. Data on file, Oxoid Ltd.
8. Brenner, D. J., Steigerwalt, P. E., Epple, P. et al. (1998). J. Clin. Microbiol., 26: 1695–1703.
9. Luck, P. C., Helbig, J. H., Ehret, W. and Ott, M. (1995). Int. J. Med. Microbiol. Virol. Parasitol. Infect. Dis., 282: 35–39.