We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Rapid Detection of Legionella Offered for Commercial Water Systems

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Apr 2018
A rapid (approximately one hour) DNA microarray-based assay is set to replace classical culture methods for identification of Legionella bacteria in commercial water systems.

The genus Legionella is a pathogenic group of Gram-negative bacteria that includes the species L. More...
pneumophila, the causative agent of legionellosis (all illnesses caused by Legionella) including a pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires' disease.

Molecular biological detection methods capable of rapidly identifying viable Legionella are important for the control of engineered water systems. The current gold standard based on culture methods takes up to 10 days to show positive results. For this reason, investigators at the Technical University of Munich (Germany) developed a flow-based chemiluminescence (CL) DNA microarray that was able to quantify viable and non-viable Legionella spp. as well as L. pneumophila.

The assay method depends on a measuring chip that was developed in the context of the "LegioTyper" project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This chip not only detected the dangerous pathogen L. pneumophila but also identified which of the approximately 20 subtypes was present.

The foil-based measuring chip used the microarray analysis platform MCR marketed by the biotech company GWK GmbH (Munich, Germany). Using 20 different antibodies, this system provided a complete analysis in less than one hour.

"Compared to previous measurements, the new method not only provides a huge speed advantage," said senior author Dr. Michael Seidel, lecturer in analytical chemistry at the Technical University of Munich, "but is also so cheap that we can use the chip in one-time applications."

Related Links:
Technical University of Munich
GWK


Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
New
Portable POCT Blood Gas Analyzer
BD100
Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
Envoy 500+
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.