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

Background: Legionellais a fastidious Gram-negative bacterium that is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. Legionellais a ubiquitous aquatic bacterium, especially in cooling systems. Several studies have investigated Legionellacontamination in natural and man-made water resources. Legionellais resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants; thus, it is important to consider it in places where people with immunodeficiency are kept. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the Legionella pneumophila mipgene in clinical samples, kidney transplants, and dialysis wards by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Methods: 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 16srRNAand mipgenes. The PCR product was electrophoresed on agarose gel 1%. Results: Among the samples, 23 samples were infected with Legionella(14.7%), of which 7 samples were identified for the mipgene (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 16srRNAgene (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 mipgene. Conclusions: The presence of L. pneumophilain aqueous samples of transplant and dialysis wards is important. Therefore, rapid detection of this bacterium or the mipgene by a molecular method can play an important role in reducing infection and transplant rejection.