Substantiation of Legionella pneumophila isolates using Real Time PCR Test in Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Legionella pneumophila is considered as a causative agent of Legionnaire’s disease, which affects humans causing severe fatal pneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Legionella species isolates were identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, before they were confirmed by Real Time PCR test. A total of 38 Legionella species isolated from water reservoirs of evaporative coolers air conditioners, distributed in Khartoum State, were subjected to Real Time PCR which gave 24 (63%), identical species to Legionella pneumophila.