ONDOAN is leading the LegioPoC project for the preventive detection of Legionella

26/04/2016

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.

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.

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 35ºC. 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.

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 ºC.

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.

It cannot be transmitted from person to person, nor via the ingestion of food or water.

Collaboration Challenges Programme (RTC-2015-4367-1)

Funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness

Theme: Human Health

Leader: ONDOAN, S.COOP.

Participants: GAIKER-IK4 and Biotalde.