WWEM - Abstract

Abstract Information :

Oxford Biosystems Ltd is the UK distributor for BIOTECON Diagnostics. Founded in 1998, BIOTECON focuses on the development and production of innovative, rapid detection systems for pathogens, spoilage organisms, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and allergens by real-time PCR. As an international biotechnology company, BIOTECON Diagnostics markets its products worldwide and cooperates with sales experts from a variety of countries. The accredited service laboratory of BIOTECON Diagnostics has many years of experience in microbiological analysis, especially for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Legionella can be found worldwide in surface waters, soil and groundwater. Propagation occurs primarily intracellularly in amoebae and other waterborne protozoa. Legionella can therefore be found in many different natural and artificial water systems, e.g. in drinking water, in large plants for water heating, in evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators. Even whirlpools or swimming pools with artificial waterfalls and fountains can be a source of infection. Testing of water installations for the presence of Legionella spp. is therefore implemented worldwide in national guidelines, usually according to ISO standard methods for cultural and PCR detection.

Real-time PCR is a faster, easier and more precise alternative to cultural methods. The BIOTECON microproof Legionella Quantification LyoKit provides a convenient, complete solution, including DNA extraction, live/dead differentiation and quantitative real-time PCR analysis for the specific individual quantitative detection of Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila and Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.