I've recently started working in an environmental analysis laboratory and wondered why is it that, in order to detect Legionella spp. from water samples, the incubation is done in a closed bag with a candle. I understand this is done to create an atmosphere enriched in CO2 but I'm guessing it shouldn't be anaerobic?
I have been doing some research but I can't seem to find the reason why it's done this way, other than because of this paper:
- Feeley, J. C., Gorman, G. W., Weaver, R. E., Mackel, D. C., & Smith, H. W. (1978). Primary isolation media for Legionnaires disease bacterium. Journal of clinical microbiology, 8(3), 320–325.
However I am looking for an explanation, if Legionella spp. are mainly said to be aerobic in literature why are they incubated in such conditions?
Incubation in 2-5% CO2 can enhance growth of some Legionella species such as L. sainthelensi and L. oakridgensis. This low level of CO2 will not affect the growth of L. pneumophila, but CO2 levels higher than 5% may inhibit growth.
Source: UK Standards for Microbiology InvestigationsIdentification of Legionellaspecies ,page 12.
Hope this helps @Aina Bet
Article Growth of 28 Legionella species on selective culture media: ...
Growth of 28 Legionella species on selective culture media: a comparative study.
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