Delegates at the Water Management Society (WMSoc) conference and AGM on 19th and 20th June 2018 are to receive exciting news from Oxford Biosystems about a new Legionella test that provides accurate results in just 4 hours. This represents an exceptional advance over traditional culture methods, where a wait over 10 days can be expected before outcomes are made available.

The BIOTECON microproof® Legionella Quantification LyoKit offers a complete DNA testing solution including DNA extraction and quantitative real-time PCR analysis directly from the filter. Its ease of use and 4-hour timescale for results not only means that treatment can be rapidly put in place but also facilitates opportunities for multiple testing to monitor the progress of remedial action. Oxford Biosystems supplies the equipment, technical support and training required to perform the test.

Features of the BIOTECON solution for the detection of Legionella include:

• Detection, differentiation and quantification of Legionella spp, Legionella pneumophila and Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in a single test
• 100% specific, with 43 species (119 strains) successfully detected
• Precise detection, differentiation and individual quantification of Legionella in genomic units/mL compliant with ISO 12869:2012
• Can be used to test both clear and turbid water via water filtration according to the recommended ISO protocol
• Differentiation between live and dead legionella cells using BIOTECON Reagent D so that only the DNA from live Legionella cells, including VBNC cells, will be detected and quantified.

Taking place at the Drayton Manor Hotel in Tamworth Staffordshire on June 19th and 20th 2018, the WMSoc conference is titled “Back to Basics - Forward to the Future”. The information about the exciting development from Oxford Biosystems affecting the future of Legionella testing is available to all participants via a leaflet included in the delegate information packs.

The Water Management Society has extensive expertise in the detection and preventative methods relating to Legionella bacteria in water supplies. Legionella infections can vary from a mild febrile illness (Pontiac fever) to the potentially fatal form of pneumonia known as Legionnaire’s disease. Rapid detection, identification and treatment is essential to prevent major outbreaks in the general population.