Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Respiratory Atypical Bacterial Panel by PCR

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Pneumonia, Walking Pneumonia, Atypical Pneumonia, Legionnaires, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis, Dry Cough

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB7108 (Panel), LAB7215 (C. pneumoniae), LAB7217 (L. pneumophilia), LAB7216 (M. pneumoniae), Beaker: IRABG

Department

Molecular Pathology

Instructions

• The Respiratory Atypical Bacterial Panel by PCR contains 3 targets: C. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae, and L. pneumophilia. Orders can also be placed for individual bacterial targets.
• Please see instructions for Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab Collection. 

Specimen Collection Criteria

• Swab (preferred): Nasopharynegeal (NP) in viral transport medium (i.e., UVT, UTM).
• Fluids (alternative): BAL, bronchial washing, pleural, or sputum in a sterile, screw-capped collection container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain all specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Swab in viral transport medium, or fluid specimen in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Dry swabs.
• Specimens in non-sterile or leaking containers.
• Specimens subjected to repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain all specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to testing.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Molecular Pathology Laboratory.

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24-48 hours.

Reference Range

Negative: No bacterial DNA detected.

Test Methodology

Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification. Testing for Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae is approved by the FDA when using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. Test performance characteristics for alternate specimen sources (sputum, bronchalveolar lavage, pleural fluid) and Legionella pneumophila were determined by Beaumont Laboratory.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the detection of M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and L. pneumophila infections. This assay detects the pathogen's DNA and does not rely upon the presence of viable organisms or seroconversion.

Clinical Disease

• M.pneumoniae is primarily a respiratory tract pathogen that involves the nasopharynx, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the leading cause of atypical, community-acquired ("walking") pneumonia in developed countries. The infection usually presents with the insidious onset of fever, malaise, headache, and nonproductive cough. The frequency and severity of the cough often increases over 1-2 days and may eventually become debilitating. Most infections are self-limiting and are rarely fatal.
  
  
• C. pneumoniae is often asymptomatic but does account for about 10% of community acquired pneumonia infections. Infection is spread by droplet and has an incubation period of one to two weeks. Symptoms can include a slight fever, rhinitis, hoarseness, and a long-lasting dry cough.
  
  
• L. pneumophila is responsible Legionnaires disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The incubation period is 2-10 days and is contracted primarily through water droplets in the air (large air-conditioning systems, hot tubs, etc.). A high fever and cough can be the first signs of an infection, followed by nausea and vomiting, being the most distinctive symptoms.

Epidemiology

M. pneumoniae infections occur throughout the year, especially in temperate climates. In the U.S. it is estimated that at least one case of Mycoplasma pneumonia occurs for each 1000 persons/year. Infections often appear to be sporadic due to the relatively long incubation period. Symptomatic infections occur most commonly in children and young adults (ages 2-19 years).

C. pneumonia infection is widespread often with frequent reoccurrence of infection through the lifetime. It can be found in children with acute lower respiratory infection, and although infection occurs year-round, majority of infections occur in the winter months (January-April).

L. pneumophila infections are commonly associated with an area that has buildings or structure with complex water systems such hotels, cruise ships, and hospitals. State and local health departments take the lead when a suspected outbreak has occurred.

Incubation Period

The incubation period:

• M. pneumoniae: 20-23 days
• C. pneumoniae: 7-14 days
• L. pneumophila: 2-10 days

Transmission

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections are spread from patient to patient via respiratory droplets produced by coughing.

Legionella pneumophila infections are spread through water droplets in the air infected with the bacterium.

CPT Codes

87581, 87486, 87541.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/30/2023