Legionella tests
Explanation
Legionella tests help find out whether Legionella bacteria are causing an infection, particularly pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Tests may use urine or a sample from the lower airways, such as mucus coughed up from the lungs. The methods look for different signs of the bacteria and do not all detect the same types.
What does the urine test detect?
The usual urine test looks for an antigen, a component of the bacteria. It mainly detects Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, one group of Legionella bacteria. A negative result therefore does not exclude infection with other groups or species. Finding the antigen in urine does not mean that the infection is in the urinary tract.
Why test a sample from the lungs as well?
A culture tries to grow the bacteria from the sample. Molecular tests look for bacterial genetic material. These methods can detect types that the usual urine test misses. The test used, sample quality and timing affect what can be found.
Does a positive result always mean a new infection?
The type of test matters. Antigen can remain detectable after treatment. Antibody tests look for proteins made by the immune system in response to infection. A single antibody result does not establish a current infection; testing may require samples taken at different times. The results need to be interpreted with the illness and the other test findings.
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