Detection of Legionella Pneumophila MIP and 16srRNA Genes in Kidney Transplant and Dialysis Wards by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Legionella is a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium that is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella is a ubiquitous aquatic bacterium, especially in cooling systems. Several studies have investigated Legionella contamination in natural and man-made water resources. Legionella is resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants; thus, it is important to consider it in places where people with immunodeficiency are kept.

The aim of this study was to detect the Legionella pneumophila mip gene in clinical samples, kidney transplants, and dialysis wards by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

In this study, 156 samples were taken from the kidney transplant and dialysis wards. DNA extraction was done. After confirmation of primers, PCR was performed to amplify 16srRNA and mip genes. The PCR product was electrophoresed on agarose gel 1%.

Among the samples, 23 samples were infected with Legionella (14.7%), of which 7 samples were identified for the mip gene (4.5%) and 16 samples for 16srRNA (10.2%). The confirmation of the presence of these genes was done by sequencing. In serum, tissue, urine, hot water, and cold water samples were positive for the 16srRNA gene (7.5%, 26.66%, 7.14%, 20%, and 6.66%, respectively). Among these samples, 50% of tissue samples, 25% of urine, and 33.33% of hot water were positive for the mip gene.

The presence of L. pneumophila in aqueous samples of transplant and dialysis wards is important. Therefore, rapid detection of this bacterium or the mip gene by a molecular method can play an important role in reducing infection and transplant rejection.