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This study aims to compare the effectiveness of culture-based methods and qPCR in detecting Legionella in drinking water distribution systems.

August 1, 2026WaterOpen Access

Source-to-Tap Monitoring of Legionella in Drinking Water Distribution System: Comparison of Culture-Based and qPCR Detection Within a Risk-Based Framework

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Randomized trial evaluated Legionella detection in drinking water, indicating qPCR's higher sensitivity.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of culture-based methods and qPCR in detecting Legionella in drinking water distribution systems.
Collected 120 water samples from various sources including treatment plants and distribution networks.
Applied ISO 11731 culture method and quantitative PCR targeting specific genetic markers.
Analyzed factors influencing Legionella prevalence including water quality parameters.
qPCR detected Legionella in 37.5% of samples compared to 14.2% by culture, with p < 0.001 for sensitivity.
Highest positivity rates of 64.0% with qPCR and 30.0% by culture observed in premise plumbing systems.
Significant seasonal variation in detection rates was noted, with higher detections in summer months.

Herczyk et al. (2026) studied this question.

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