ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the detection effects of Legionella pneumophila in water samples from public places by the Legiolert enzyme-substrate method and the conventional cultivation. Methods The Legiolert enzyme-substrate method and the conventional cultivation method were used to detect Legionella pneumophila in cooling water and shower water samples collected in public places. Isolated strains were verified and serotyped. Results A total of 68 samples were collected and tested. The positive rate of the conventional cultivation and the Legiolert enzyme-substrate method were 5.88%（4/68）and 35.29%（24/68）, respectively, with a significant difference （χ2=16.41，P2=16.41，P=0.000). A total of 25 strains of Legionella pneumophila were isolated，and the serum types were mainly LP1（14/25）. Conclusion The Legiolert enzyme-substrate method represente a higher detection rate of Legionella pneumophila in water samples from public places than the conventional cultivation.