Legiolert™radically simplifies Legionella water
testing compared to current culture methods
WESTBROOK, Maine, July 27, 2016 /CNW/ -- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
(NASDAQ: IDXX) today announced the availability of Legiolert, the
easiest culture method for the confirmed detection of Legionella
pneumophila in drinking water. Legionella pneumophila is
the most common Legionella species in water and the primary
cause of Legionnaires' disease.1 This month marks the
40th anniversary of the first outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in
Philadelphia,2 which
prompted one of the largest respiratory disease investigations in
U.S. history. Legionnaires' disease is deadly for about 1 in 10
people who contract it and often causes long-lasting symptoms for
survivors.3
Legiolert improves public health response times by accurately
detecting the presence of Legionella pneumophila in potable
water systems in seven days, versus up to 14 days with
traditional culture methods. The new test also saves valuable
laboratory time.
"Legiolert simplifies traditional water testing by requiring
fewer steps," said Dan Broder, PhD,
lead scientist on the Legiolert project at IDEXX Laboratories.
"Legiolert does not require laborious colony counting or
confirmation steps, which reduces the need for training and the
risk of interpretation errors, and frees up laboratory staff
time."
Though the disease is largely preventable, diagnosed cases of
Legionnaires' disease in the United
States quadrupled between 2000 and 2014, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recently
reported that almost all of the Legionnaires' disease outbreaks
over the past 15 years could have been avoided, and lives saved,
with better water system management. For hospitals, nursing homes,
hotels, and other high-risk buildings, testing drinking water and
other building water systems is the only way to ensure an effective
risk management plan against Legionella pneumophila.
"IDEXX Water is the global leader in water microbiology. With
Legiolert, we continue our commitment to innovation in diagnostics
technologies to improve the safety of water worldwide," said
Jonathan W. Ayers, president and
chief executive officer of IDEXX Laboratories. "Legiolert is so
much simpler than current culture methods, we expect to see an
increase in the number of laboratories testing for Legionella
pneumophila from the very few that do so today."
For more information on IDEXX Water's Legiolert test and water
safety testing, please visit
idexx.com/water/products/legiolert.html.
About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is
a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing
veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and
information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products
enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical
care, improve staff efficiency, and build more economically
successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing
livestock and poultry diagnostic tests and tests for the quality
and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX employs 7,000 people and offers
products to customers in more than 175 countries.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This
news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
words such as "expects," "may," "anticipates," "intends," "would,"
"will," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "should," and similar
words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based
on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a
number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements
are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other
important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance
on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary
materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by
the Company pursuant to United
States securities laws contain discussions of these risks
and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and
expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the
Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database
at sec.gov, at various SEC reference facilities
in the United States and via the
Company's website at idexx.com).
CONTACT:
IDEXX Laboratories
Media Relations
Elizabeth Hunt
1-207-556-4650
elizabeth-hunt@idexx.com
MSLGROUP
1-781-684-0770
idexx@mslgroup.com
1. Brunette GW, ed. CDC Health Information for
International Travel 2016: The Yellow Book.New York, NY: Oxford
University Press; 2016.
2. Lucas S; Pennsylvania Center for the Book, "The
Philly Killer:" 1976's Legionnaires' disease.
http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/Legionnaires.html.
Published Spring 2010. Accessed July 21,
2016.
3. Dooling KL, Toews KA, Hicks LA, et al. Active bacterial
core surveillance for legionellosis–United States, 2011–2013.
Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2015;64(42):1190–1193.
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SOURCE IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.