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LEGIONELLA LATEX TEST

Code: DR0800

The Oxoid Legionella Latex Test is a latex agglutination test for the identification of predominant Legionella species grown on plate media from patients with suspected Legionellosis or from environmental sources. The Oxoid Legionella Latex Test allows separate identification of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-14 and detection of seven other Legionella species which have been implicated in human disease.

Introduction
Legionnaires’ disease named after the outbreak in 1976 at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia, is caused by Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species. It is characterised as an acute febrile respiratory illness ranging in severity from mild illness to fatal pneumonia. Since that time, it has been recognised that the disease occurs in both epidemic and endemic form and that the sporadic cases are not readily differentiated from other respiratory infections by clinical symptons. It is estimated that worldwide about 25,000 cases of Legionella infections occur annually. Known risk factors include immunosuppression, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and concomitant pulmonary disease. The mortality rate, which can be as high as 25% in untreated immunosuppressed patients, can be lowered if the disease is diagnosed rapidly and appropriate antimicrobial therapy started earlier.
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 from patients with pneumonia and from the environment (mainly water).
Rare isolations have also been made in cases other than pneumonia, such as wound abscesses. The major reservoir of Legionella species appears to be fresh water sites, air-conditioning units and various water plumbing fixtures.
Legionella pneumophila is the most common cause of Legionnaires’ disease. At present, 14 different serotypes exist of which Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 accounts for 90% of cases.
The Oxoid Legionella Latex Test uses antibody sensitised blue latex particles which will agglutinate in the presence of specific Legionella cell wall antigens to form visible clumps. This provides a fast and simple screening procedure for predominant pathogenic Legionella species and serotypes1,2.

Components of the Kit
DR0801 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 Test Reagent
Consists of blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen. Each kit contains sufficient reagent for 50 tests.
DR0802 Legionella pneumophila serogroup 2-14 Test Reagent
Consists of blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 2-14 antigen. Each kit contains sufficient reagent for 50 tests.
DR0803 Legionella species Test Reagent
Consists of blue latex particles sensitised with specific rabbit antibody reactive with the following species and serotypes:
Legionella longbeachae 1 & 2 Legionella bozemanii 1 & 2 Legionella dumoffii Legionella gormanii Legionella jordanis Legionella micdadei Legionella anisa
Each kit contains sufficient reagent for 50 tests.
DR0804 Positive Control Suspension
A polyvalent suspension of Legionella cells in buffer, sufficient for 25 tests.
DR0805 Negative Control Suspension
A suspension of Legionella spiritensis cells in buffer non-reactive with the test reagents sufficient for 25 tests.
DR0806 Control Latex
Consists of blue latex particles sensitised with non-reactive rabbit globulin. Each kit contains sufficient reagent for 50 tests.
DR0807 Suspension Buffer
A phosphate buffered saline solution. pH 7.3.
DR0500 Reaction Cards
There are 50 disposable reaction cards provided in the kit.
Instruction leaflet

Materials Required but not provided:
Microbiological loop and bunsen burner.
0.85% saline (for optional tube method).
Suitable laboratory disinfectant e.g. Sodium hypochlorite solution > 1.3% w/v.
For full procedure please see product insert.

References
1. Sedgwick A.K., & Tilton R.C. (1983) J. Clin. Microbiol. 17: 365-368.
2. Ciesielski C.A., Blaser M.J. & Wang W.L. (1986) Infect. Immun. 51: 397-404.
3. Dennis P.J.L. (1988) Isolation of Legionella from Environmental Specimens p.31-44. In Harrison T.G. and Taylor A.G. (eds). A Laboratory Manual for Legionella: 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, U.K.
5. Cowan and Steel’s Manual for the Identification of Medical Bacteria 3rd Ed. Barrow, G.I., and Feltham R.K.A., (eds) (1993) p161-163. University Press, London.
6. Harrison T.G. and Taylor A.G. (1988). Identification of Legionella 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.

 
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