Culture - Legionella

Culture - Legionella

The spectrum of illness due to Legionella spp. ranges from a mild, self-limited illness (Pontiac fever) to atypical pneumonia (Legionnaire’s disease), to serious disseminated disease. It is estimated to cause 2 to 15% of all sporadic community-acquired pneumonias requiring hospitalization. The bacterium is generally transmitted by inhalation of fine aerosols and water droplets, and outbreaks are often associated with cooling towers, hot tubs, contaminated water systems, or recent travel. Legionella pneumophila accounts for >90% of cases, although other species may also cause disease. Legionella is not transmitted directly from person to person. Best practice for the diagnosis of Legionnaire’s disease includes submission of a lower respiratory specimen for culture and a urine specimen for Legionella antigen testing. Molecular detection of Legionella may have greater sensitivity. Serological assays are not recommended.

.Legionella

Sterile leak-proof container with no additives

Sputum: Instruct patient to gargle with water and cough deeply to collect deep respiratory specimen in sterile container. Aspirate: Place aspirate or washing into sterile container. Tissue: Add small amount of sterile, non-bacteriostatic, distilled water to prevent drying, if necessary. Do not add saline because it may be inhibitory.

Transport sputum, bronchial aspirates, bronchial brushings, and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens refrigerated.

• Refrigerated: 7 days • Frozen: Unacceptable

Bacterial culture

Monday through Sunday

Northwell Health Laboratories

87081

6201318