Legionella Pneumophila IgG antibodies by EIA - Serum

The Legionella Pneumophila IgG Antibodies by EIA – Serum test is a blood test used to detect IgG antibodies against Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. The test uses the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) method to identify the body’s long-term immune response to Legionella infection. Detection of IgG antibodies may indicate a past infection, previous exposure, or, when interpreted alongside IgM antibodies and clinical findings, help support the diagnosis of a current infection.

This test is recommended for individuals with suspected Legionella infection, a history of pneumonia, or those who may have been exposed to contaminated water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, or air-conditioning systems. A 3 mL serum sample collected in a gel vacutainer or plain sterile vacutainer is required for testing. The results should always be interpreted in combination with the patient’s clinical history, symptoms, and other laboratory investigations, as IgG antibodies alone cannot distinguish between a past and an active infection. The test provides valuable information for diagnosis, follow-up evaluation, and epidemiological assessment of Legionella exposure.