A Rapid and Sensitive Method for the Quantitation of Legionella Pneumophila Antigen from Human Urine

摘要

A reversed passive information test was developed to assay concentrations of soluble antigen of Legionnaires' Disease (Legionella pneumophila) in human urine samples. The test is highly sensitive, being able to detect as little as 0.0002 micrograms of antigen. Preliminary results with this test on serial urine and serum samples from a patient with confirmed legionellosis show that measurable amounts of antigen are present in urine during the course of the illness. However, no antigen could be detected in the patient's serum. (Author)