Taxonomy and typing of legionellae

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Abstract
The family Legionellaceae and genus Legionella were defined in 1979 for a single species Legionella pneumophila. Since then 38 other species of Legionella have been identified. Species in the family form a coherent phenotypic taxon, being easily identified by in-vitro growth requirements and cell-wall components. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences also support this view. Classification at the genus level has been controversial; most workers supporting a single genus, Legionella, but others have proposed division into three genera: Legionella, Tatlockia and Fluoribacter. Phylogenetic studies demonstrate that the species of the family Legionellaceae are monophyletic, showing no discrete divisions, and if the family were to be divided many genera with only one or two species would be created. The phenotypic data do not support this view because, although identification of members of the genus is relatively simple, distinguishing between species is difficult and usually requires the application of molecular techniques. A wide range of immunological, biochemical and molecular techniques have been used to fingerprint or type legionellae and these have undoubtedly been of considerable value in elucidating the epidemiology of legionellosis. However, the limitations of available methods must be appreciated, particularly when undertaking environmental studies.

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