HybriScan® Legionella kit and HybriScan Legionella pneumophila kit use ribosomal RNA as a modern detection target. The rRNA is greater in number than DNA (no PCR is needed), and is only present in living cells. It, therefore, perfectly suits specific and sensitive detection. Within 2.5 h, a direct quantitative detection of 10,000 colony forming units (CFU) per liter is easily possible and 1 - 10 CFU/l can be detected with an enrichment step in BCYE Medium.
Purpose: An accurate and efficient rapid test method as an alternate to PCR
Methods: Specificity is achieved by targeting conserved or unique rRNA sequences. A biotin-labeled capture probe is used to immobilize the target sequence on a solid support plate (streptavidin-coated microtiter plate). A digoxigenin labeled detection probe provides an enzyme linked optical signal read-out. Detection results from application of anti-DIG-horseradish peroxidase Fab fragments. The bound complex is visualized by horseradish peroxidase substrate TMB. Photometric data are measured at 450 nm and compared with standard solutions.
Results: The quantitative analysis of 39 Legionella positive samples with HybriScan were compared with ISO 11731 (GVPC and BCYE Agar) and no significant difference could be found. HybriScan®D Legionella even showed to be more sensitive on low concentrations.
Significance: Fast, cost-effective analysis, and high sensitivity and specificity