Legionella pneumophila mip gene sequencing to investigate a cluster of pneumonia cases

Abstract

Aims: To use fluorescent antibody (FA) and PCR studies on fixed lung tissue to investigate whether Legionella pneumophila was the cause of pneumonia in a cluster of three haematology patients. Methods: Cut sections of paraffin blocks of lung tissue were examined by direct FA (DFA) using fluorescently labelled antibody to serogroup 1 and Pontiac strains of L. pneumophila. In addition, a single tube 'hanging drop' nested PCR targeting the mip gene of Legionella was performed on DNA extracted from the lung sections. Products were sequenced using dye terminator chemistry. Results: Numerous fluorescing bacteria were seen on staining with both antibodies in lung tissue from two of the patients. Id..