PCR method for the rapid detection and discrimination of Legionella spp. based on the amplification of pcs, pmtA, and 16S rRNA genes

Abstract

Legionella bacteria are organisms of public health interest due to their ability to cause pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease) in susceptible humans and their ubiquitous presence in water supply systems. Rapid diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease allows the use of therapy specific for the disease. L. pneumophila serogroup 1 is the most common cause of infection acquired in community and hospital environments. The non-L. pneumophila infections are likely under-detected because of a lack of effective diagnosis. In this work, simplex and duplex PCR assays with the use of new molecular markers pcs and pmtA involved in phosphatidylcholine synthesis were specified for rapid and cost-efficient identification and distinguishing Legionella species. The sets of primers developed were found to be sensitive and specific for reliable detection of Legionella belonging to the eight most clinically relevant species. Among these, four primer sets I, II, VI, and VII used for duplex-PCRs proved to have the highest identification power and reliability in the detection of the bacteria. Application of this PCR-based method should improve detection of Legionella spp. in both clinical and environmental settings and facilitate molecular typing of these organisms.

Comparative study on 16s rRNA gene Sequences for clinical and environmental isolates of legionella pneumophila.

“…Open Access 2024, (18), (01): 13 -25 sequencing facilitates the rapid classification of nonpneumophila Legionella isolates to the species level [24]. While 16S rRNA sequencing is a valuable tool for identifying bacterial species and studying genetic diversity, it has certain limitations.…”

The Role of Lipids in Legionella-Host Interaction

“…A method for identification and discrimination between Legionella species in the set of duplex-PCR was specified based on the 16S rRNA gene and the pcs and pmtA genes encoding PC synthase and PmtA, respectively [38].…”