Sequence based typing and pre-absorption test in retrospective analysis of a pseudo-outbreak of [i]Legionella[/i] infections differentiates true cases of legionellosis
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2012, Vol 19, Issue 3
Abstract
The aim of this study was elimination of false positive results obtained by the Chlamylege kit. Two serological kits (IgM ELISA [i]L.pneumophila[/i] sgs1-7; ImmuView[sup]TM[/sup] [i]L.pneumophila[/i] sg1/sg3) and pre-absorption tests (with [i]L.pneumophila[/i] sg1 and sg3 reference strains antigens) were used. 153 sera (79 patients) were examined. The high correlations were found between the results by both tests. Positive results by ELISA (sgs1-7) were found in 19/79 patients; by ImmuView[sup]TM[/sup] (sg1+sg3) in 16/63. In 8 patients, the dynamics of the IgM in pairs of sera was high (ratio ≥2). In 5/8 of those patients seroconversion was determined. Selected pre-absorbed sera (15 pairs) were tested simultaneously by the same tests. In 8/15 pairs of sera, the reduction of IgM levels in pre-absorbed sera was higher than 10. The reduction of IgM differed in sg1 and sg3 tests. The probability of infections due to [i]L.pneumophila[/i] sg3 (7 patients) and [i]L.pneumophila[/i] sg1 (5 patients) was based on the results of pre-absorption tests. The correlation between ELISA and ImmuView[sup]TM[/sup] tests of pre-absorbed sera was statistically significant (Po=0.0389). Moreover, genotyping of [i]L.pneumophila[/i] (SBT) directly in the sera of selected 15 patients (high IgM reduction) was carried out. Completed 7 alleles profile (ST36) was determined in one patient. However, a second patient had the same profile of 5 alleles, and similar reactions in pre-absorption tests. At least 4 sources of infections were suggested on the base of genotyping and pre-absorption results.Conclusions: Positive results obtained by molecular techniques (eg.PCR) in the diagnosis of [i]Legionella[/i] infections should be supplemented by other tests for confirmation of legionellosis. The sequence based typing carried out directly in clinical specimens seems to be a promising method.
Authors and Affiliations
Katarzyna Pancer, Karina Jahnz-Różyk, Aleksandra Kucharczyk, Włodzimierz Gut, Piotr Kucharczyk, Pernille Elverdal, Bogumiła Litwińska
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP80489
- DOI -
- Views 133
- Downloads 0
Risk of Lyme disease at various sites and workplaces of forestry workers in eastern Poland
Knowledge about the seasonal activity of various stages of the[i] Ixodes ricinus [/i]tick is of great importance while developing models of the circulation of pathogens transmitted by ticks in a given environment, as wel...
Effects of aerobic interval training versus continuous moderate exercise programme on aerobic and anaerobic capacity, somatic features and blood lipid profile in collegate females
introduction. Regular physical activity has many positive health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and some cancers, as well as improving the quality of life. objectiv...
The use of oncolytic viruses in selected tumours
Introduction: Neoplastic diseases are the leading cause of death among adults. Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapy, advanced radiotherapy and high level of oncology surgery still the effects of a treatment ar...
Decrease in ambient air lead concentrations in Varna, Bulgaria, associated with the introduction of unleaded gasoline.
An examination of ambient air lead monitoring data was used to demonstrate success of banning the import and use of leaded gasoline in Bulgaria. From 1996-2007 air lead levels in Varna, the third largest city, decreased...
Respiratory symptoms and functions in barn workers
Introduction and aim. The presented study was undertaken to investigate the respiratory health problems in family barns with one or more cows and at least one family member working in the barn.Methods. 150 workers (128 f...