Isolation and Identification of Legionella pneumophila from Environmental Water Sources in Khartoum State

Abstract

Legionnaire’s disease affects humans causing mild to severe pneumonia, particularly in immune-compromised individuals. The aim of this study was to identify the causative agent and to determine the frequency of Legionella pneumophila in potential water samples collected from various environmental sources in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 120 samples were collected from different hospital settings during April to August 2012. Bacteriological examination of collected environmental water samples was performed to isolate legionella pneumophila by inoculation on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) agar. Several biochemical tests including; sodium hippurate, catalase, oxidase tests and gelatin liquefaction were further carried to confirm the identification. Antibiotic and beta-lactamase testing were done to detect resistance or susceptibility. Out of 120 water samples; 8 (6.7 %) Legionella pneumophila isolates were recovered from water environment in air conditions, shower heads and water coolers for the first time in Sudan. The organism was demonstrated as a beta- lactamase producer resistant to ampicillin and penicillin but susceptible to gentamicin, chloramphenicol and erythromycin. This study concluded that legionella pneumophila exists in the environment in Sudan. As an important environment water pathogen, it is vital to initiate further research work with many samples to isolate and identify the organism from different water and food sources to assess prevalence and implications.