Advantages and disadvantages of tests for Legionella pneumophila
| Test | Sensitivity | Specificity | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culture | 10%–80% | 100% | Detects all serogroups | Results take several days, difficult technique |
| Urine antigen | 70%–80% | > 99% | Results in less than 1 hour | Detects only Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 |
| Polymerase chain reaction | 95%–99% | > 99% | Results in hours, detects all serogroups | Availability may be limited in some areas |
| Direct fluorescent antibody stain | 25%–75% | > 95% | Results in hours, detects all serogroups | Difficult technique |
| Serology | 80%–90% | > 99% | Detects all serogroups | Must test acute-phase and convalescent-phase sera, results take several weeks |
Adapted from reference 13.