ONDOAN is heading the LegioPoC project, the purpose of which is to develop a Point of Care device (LegioPoC) based on molecular biological technologies for the on-site preventive detection of Legionella spp. The LegioPoC device is an alternative and innovative molecular system based on isothermal amplification.<\/p>\n
The adaptation of this technology to a Lab on a Chip format will be the main technological challenge of a project, launched in 2015 and that will end in 2017, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. The technology centre GAIKER-IK4 and the biological laboratories Biotalde, are participating in the project together with ONDOAN.<\/p>\n
Legionella is the common name for a group of bacillus-shaped Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria live in stagnant water, surviving a wide range of temperatures but preferably above 35\u00baC. Their growth is favoured by the presence of organic matter. They possess aerobic respiration and move by means of a flagellum. There are 48 species within this genus and a total of 78 serotypes. Some Legionella species can infect humans. The most significant species in this respect is Legionella pneumophila, given its medical implications.<\/p>\n
These bacteria live in aqueous media. It can survive a variety of environmental conditions. It enters the human body through aerosols generated in certain facilities. Temperature is the most significant parameter regarding its presence: its optimal growth temperature is 35-37 \u00baC.<\/p>\n
Among the factors that lead to the multiplication of Legionella, we have the presence of sludge and mud with organic elements and a biofilm with bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae… It mainly appears in hot water facilities that use accumulation systems with a return circuit, cooling towers and evaporative condensers, Jacuzzis and industrial humidifying facilities.<\/p>\n
It cannot be transmitted from person to person, nor via the ingestion of food or water.<\/p>\n