Prevalence and Molecular Distribution of Legionella Pneumophila in Cold Water Taps Across Alborz Province, Iran Publisher



Yaslianifard S^{1, 2} ; Mohammadzadeh M¹ ; Pourmand MR³ ; Yaslianifard S^{1, 2} ; Sepehr MN⁵ ; Arfaatabar M³ ; Norouzi M⁶ Show Affiliations
Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health Published:2019

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to explore the distribution of Legionella pneumophila (serogroups 1–6) in cold water taps across Alborz province, Karaj, Iran. In addition, some other non-fastidious gram-negative bacteria not belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family (GNB-NE) were followed. Subject: A total of 162 water samples were collected from 6 countries and tested by culture and genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The L. pneumophila isolates were subsequently analyzed by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for serogroup identification, molecularly by PCR, and sequencing for genetic diversity. The patterns of resistance to antibiotics were determined by disk diffusion. Results: Fifteen (9.25%) samples were detected as positive for L. pneumophila by PCR and 12 (7.4%) samples yielded growth in culture. All isolates of L. pneumophila were belonged to serogroup 1. Fifteen GNB-NE species were isolated from the samples, including nine isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and six isolates of Acinetobacter spp. Antibiotic resistance was detected in 3 isolates of P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence of L. pneumophila, few clinical cases have been reported, which may be due to underdiagnosis of the disease caused by it. Therefore, the prompt attention should be paid to do clinical diagnosis of legionellosis by the effective diagnostic tests from patients with compatible clinical symptoms. © 2018