Design of an optical nanobiosensor for detection of Legionella pneumophila in water samples

Raheleh Karimiravesh; Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez; Mehrdad Behmanesh; Maryam Nikkhah; Amin  Talebi Bezmin Abadi; Saber Esmaeilli

doi:10.18502/ijm.v14i6.11254

Raheleh Karimiravesh Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Mehrdad Behmanesh Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Nikkhah Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Amin Talebi Bezmin Abadi Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Saber Esmaeilli National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v14i6.11254

Keywords: Biosensor; Probe; Legionella pneumophila; Water; Nanoparticles

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Legionella spp. is a causative agent of Legionnaires' disease that creates public health prob- lems. Isolation of these bacteria from water sources is essential to identify outbreak origins and prevent disease. Diagnostic biosensors for water quality control to protect consumers from water-borne infections can predict many outbreaks. Gold nanoparticles conjugated probes are a new generation of diagnostic tools. In this study, an opticalnano biosensor was de- signed and characterized to detect Legionella pneumophila in water samples rapidly.

Materials and Methods: Thiolated probes designed for the mip gene were attached to gold nanoparticles and then water samples containing Legionella pneumophila were examined.

Results: The limit of detection for PCR and biosensor was 104 and 103 copy numbers/µl, respectively. Biosensor sensitivity and PCR were reported to be 90%(18 out of 20) and 85% (17 out of 20), respectively. Specificity 100% has been reported for both methods.

Conclusion: According to the obtained results, this method has the potential to diagnose L. pneumophila with high sensi- tivity and specificity. This systemcan be employed as a practical tool for rapid, accurate, high-sensitivity, and acceptable detection of Legionella pneumophila in contaminated water, which is cost-effective in terms of cost and time.