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Legionella Testing Labs

Category Press Release
Publish Date 10/24/2016
Author Jennifer Mazonas
Title New Legionella Species Has Been Identified
Introduction Legionella clemsonensis recently discovered through whole genome sequencing.

Cinnaminson, NJ, October 24th, 2016  

Recently, students at Clemson University identified a new species of the bacteria Legionella, named Legionella clemsonensis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with the students to identify the species that originated from a patient in Ohio. According to the CDC, Legionella clemsonensis was analyzed by whole genome sequencing and declared not to be Legionella pneumophila, the most common pathogen in the group. Another differing factor was that when the strain of bacteria was hit with ultraviolent light, it fluoresced green, unlike other Legionella strains that fluoresce blue, red or yellow.

Legionella is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the biofilm of water, occurring naturally in the environment or in manmade environments. Past outbreaks have been associated with cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, plumbing systems and decorative fountains. When aerosolized water containing Legionella is inhaled or aspirated, it can cause a form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.

“It is wonderful news that by using 21st century technology such as whole genome sequencing, we can now identify new species more rapidly than relying on older technologies such as biochemical testing or Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis which lack the discriminatory power,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers Legionella testing services and sampling supplies at its 15 CDC ELITE certified Legionella laboratories throughout North America. EMSL has also earned New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NYSDOH ELAP) certification for Legionella testing at four of their laboratory locations. In addition their lab in Cinnaminson, New Jersey offers whole genome sequencing as well as sequence-based typing to further discriminate between Legionella species and strains.

To learn more about Legionella and our testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com. For service questions, please contact EMSL’s Diane Miskowski, MPH, for expert information at 1-800-220-3675 extension 2528.

To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. For more information about EMSL’s testing services, please email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

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