Diagnostic and typing methods for investigating Legionella infection

N S W Public Health Bull. 2009 Sep-Oct;20(9-10):157-61. doi: 10.1071/nb08062.

Abstract

Legionella infection is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia in Australia. Morbidity and mortality is significant. Diagnosis remains a challenge with infection often unrecognised, particularly early in the course of illness. An understanding of available diagnostic methods and their limitations is important to public health practitioners and clinicians alike.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques*
  • Bacteriological Techniques*
  • Community-Acquired Infections
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Legionella / classification*
  • Legionella / isolation & purification*
  • Legionella pneumophila / isolation & purification
  • Legionellosis / diagnosis*
  • Legionellosis / microbiology*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / diagnosis
  • Legionnaires' Disease / microbiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial