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Classification of the genus Legionella
1Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Seminars in Respiratory Infections
|June 27, 1998
Summary
This study details the 42 known species of Legionella bacteria, covering their characteristics and identification methods. Further research is needed to accurately identify all Legionella species and related pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- The genus Legionella comprises 42 described species and 64 serogroups within the family Legionellaceae.
- Legionellae are significant pathogens, necessitating accurate identification and characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Legionella species, their phenotypic characteristics, and identification methodologies.
- To discuss the challenges in species-level identification and the need for ongoing research.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization including growth requirements and biochemical properties.
- Identification techniques encompassing fatty acid analysis, ubiquinones, protein profiles, carbohydrate analysis, serology, monoclonal antibodies, and molecular methods.
- Discussion of Legionella-like amebic pathogens.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the phenotypic traits of Legionella species.
- Enumeration of diverse biochemical and molecular techniques for Legionella identification.
- Highlighting the existence of Legionella-like amebic pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Current identification methods provide a basis for characterizing Legionella.
- Challenges remain in achieving definitive species-level identification for all strains.
- Further evaluation of strains using integrated biochemical and molecular approaches is essential for taxonomic clarity.