Legionella strain identification using MALDI-TOF MS
In Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) Water Microbiology Laboratory, legionella culture analysis according to SFS-EN ISO 11731:2017 automatically includes identification of Legionella pneumophila, if legionella is detected in the sample. If species other than Legionella pneumophila are detected, customers may order species identification of the legionella strain using the MALDI-TOF MS method for an additional fee. The MALDI-TOF MS method used in our laboratory identifies 44 legionella species out of 67 known species. The method is not accredited.
Species identification can also be performed from a pure culture of legionella grown on a plate. Send strains to be identified on culture plates to the laboratory. Contact us before sending strains for identification. The identification result is reported by email within one week of the strain’s arrival at the laboratory.