Legionella

Environmental Chemistry Program

Legionella can be difficult to isolate. Several steps are required to culture Legionella from environmental sources. Steps include the concentration of the bacteria, re-suspension, selective pre-treatments, and the use of complex media. Using a suitable isolation protocol is critical for determining whether Legionella is present in a sample.

The UPHL Environmental Water Microbiology Section is a member of the CDC's ELITE Program .

The ELITE Program provides a way for UPHL to test our Legionella isolation techniques against standardized samples. We receive a panel of lyophilized test samples twice each year. Test samples are divided between Legionella positive or negative and may be mixed with other organisms commonly found in water. The test samples are reconstituted and processed according to our protocols. We report our results directly to the CDC ELITE Program.

Upon successful identification of Legionella from the test samples, we receive a certificate of proficiency and are listed among the other ELITE Members . UPHL has been a member of the ELITE Program since 2010.

Scientist, hand and bacteria sample in test tube, person in lab with medical research

New Legiolert Method!

The Legiolert test detects Legionella pneumophila at 1 organism in 100 mL within 7 days.
Learn More

Legionella Testing at UPHL

Further information about environmental Legionella testing at the Utah Public Health Laboratory can be found within the Client Services Manual.
Client Services Manual

Legionella Resources from the CDC

Legionella bacteria can be found throughout the world, mostly in aquatic and moist environments (e.g., lakes, rivers, ground water and soil). Legionella can adversely impact public health. CDC estimates that 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease each year in the U.S. The CDC website contains various materials, guidelines and publications on the subject of Legionella.
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