bioMérieux participates in a project on Legionella and legionellosis

Launch of a CD-Rom combining the knowledge of recognized experts

bioMérieux, a world leader in industrial microbiology control, and particularly active in the field of environmental water testing for Legionella, recently participated in elaborating a CD-Rom on Legionella and legionellosis.

The aim of the CD-Rom was to compile the most recent information on the disease, its treatment and epidemiological monitoring, identification of contamination sources as well as diagnostic methods.

Edited by six recognized experts, this CD-Rom was previewed at the National “Legionella and Legionellosis” Conference in Lyon in late 2007. The information gathered in the CD-Rom is of interest to all healthcare professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of legionellosis, from hospital practitioners (doctors, biologists, hygienists, etc.) to water testing laboratories.

About Legionella
Legionella is a pathogenic bacterium that is the causative agent of Legionnaire’s disease also known as legionellosis. The disease is a serious form of pneumonia and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Infection is acquired by inhaling Legionella-contaminated aerosols from sources such as cooling towers, spas and showers. The at risk populations are essentially male adults with associated risk factors such as immunodeficiency, smoking, alcoholism or diabetes. In 2005, over 1,500 legionellosis cases were reported in France and approximately 5,700 in Europe. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 cases of legionellosis occur each year in the United States.

This CD-Rom is available in French. A bilingual French/English version will be distributed in a large number of countries in order to promote knowledge sharing in this field. To obtain a copy, please contact your local bioMérieux representative or contact us at http://www.biomerieux-industry.com/.

About bioMérieux
Advancing Diagnostics to Improve Public Health

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 45 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 37 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2007, revenues reached €1.063 billion with 84% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Our products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cardiovascular emergencies and cancer screening and monitoring. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. bioMérieux is listed on Euronext Paris. Other information can be found at http://www.biomerieux.com/.