Rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila with aptamers

Invention 2019-061

Rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila with aptamers

Promising biorecognition aptamers for the detection of Legionella pneumophila in water systems have been identified at McGill University.

Market Need

Legionella pneumophila is a water-borne bacterial pathogen that causes Legionnaire’s disease in humans. During an outbreak, quickly analyzing all of the potential water sources is essential to reduce the spread of disease. The methods currently available, however, require expert skills and are time intensive. Not only does this delay intervention during an outbreak, but also makes routine checks more difficult.

Technology Summary

With the help of the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment process, two aptamers were produced that bound selectively and with a high sensitivity to Legionella. Because they are short oligonucleotide sequences and can bind to specific molecules, aptamers are considered promising biorecognition molecules. During conformational tests, their binding specificity was confirmed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. With a high level of specificity for Legionella, these aptamers could improve detection efficiency and allow routine monitoring of at-risk water reservoirs.

Advantages

• Rapid and simple method of detecting Legionella pneumophila
• Could be used to routinely monitor at-risk water reservoirs for presence of the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila

Patent Status

Filed US