[Identification of Legionella isolates from environmental water by using PCR combined with enzymatic digestion...

To evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with enzymatic digestion for identification of Legionella, and investigate status of Legionella in environmental water systems in Guangzhou.

Forty-four water samples collected in Guangzhou were cultivated for Legionella, and Legionella isolates were identified by PCR-enzymatic digestion, 16S rDNA and mip gene sequencing analysis.

Sixty-six strains of Legionella pneumophila and 46 Non-L. pneumophila were identified by PCR-enzymatic digestion and sequencing analysis. Forty-six strains of Non-L. pneumophila included 20 strains of L. feeilei, 17 L. gormanii, 7 L. oakridgensis and 2 L. longbeachae.

PCR combined with enzymatic digestion is a simple, rapid, and specific method for the identification of Legionella. L. pneumophila was distributed widely, followed by L. feeilei, L. gormanii, L. oakridgensis and L. longbeachae, in environmental water in Guangzhou area.