Legionella Testing Market – By Test Type (Culture Methods, Urinary Antigen Test [UAT], Serology, Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test [DFA]), Application (Water Testing, IVD Testing), End-use (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories) – Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Legionella Testing Market Size

Legionella Testing Market size was valued at around USD 316.8 million in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of around 8.6% between 2024 and 2032. Legionella testing refers to the process of detecting and identifying legionella bacteria in various environments, including water systems, clinical specimens, and other potential sources of contamination.
 

The increasing prevalence of pneumonia and legionella-related illnesses has become a major public health concern worldwide. Legionella bacteria, especially Legionella pneumophila, can cause severe respiratory infections such as Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. For instance, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), in Europe, Australia, and the U.S., an estimated 10–15 cases are detected per million population each year. Among these reported cases, individuals over 50 years old account for 75–80%, while males make up 60–70% of the affected population.
 

Furthermore, governments and regulatory bodies around the world have implemented stringent regulations and guidelines for regular water testing, especially in high-risk environments such as healthcare facilities, hotels, nursing homes, and industrial settings. These regulations mandate the implementation of comprehensive water management plans, including routine legionella testing, to mitigate the risk of legionella contamination and protect public health.
 

Legionella Testing Market Trends

• Technological advancements in molecular biology, microbiology, and immunology have led to the development of more sensitive, specific, and rapid Legionella testing methods.
   
• Advanced molecular techniques such as PCR technologies and next-generation sequencing (NGS) enable the detection and identification of legionella bacteria with greater speed and accuracy compared to traditional culture methods.
   
• Thus, these advancements in testing technology enhance diagnostic capabilities, allowing for earlier detection of legionella contamination and prompt intervention to prevent outbreaks.
   

Legionella Testing Market Analysis

Based on test type, the market is segmented into culture methods, urinary antigen test (UAT), serology, direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and other test types. The culture methods segment is estimated to account for USD 200.8 million by 2032.
 

• Despite the emergence of newer testing technologies, culture methods remain widely trusted and mandated by regulatory agencies for legionella testing in various settings.
   
• While labor-intensive and time-consuming, culture-based testing offers cost-effectiveness, especially for high-volume scenarios, and benefits from ongoing technological advancements that improve speed and accuracy.
   
• Therefore, with its ability to identify different legionella species and strains, culture methods continue to play a crucial role in guiding risk assessment and implementing control measures.

Based on application the legionella testing market is segmented into water testing, invitro diagnostics (IVD)testing [which is estimated to reach USD 141 billion by 2032], and other applications. The water testing segment accounted for USD 193.6 million in 2023.
 

• Legionella bacteria present a formidable threat to public health when found in water systems, prompting regulatory bodies worldwide to enforce stringent testing and monitoring protocols to ensure water safety.
   
• Moreover, the heightened awareness surrounding legionella-related illnesses, such as legionnaires' disease, has fueled the demand for thorough water testing solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and industrial facilities.
   
• Thus, the segment's notable contribution underscores its vital role in early detection and prevention of legionella outbreaks, facilitated by advancements in testing technologies.
   

Based on end-use, the legionella testing market is segmented into hospital and clinics, water treatment plants, diagnostic laboratories, and other end-users. The water treatment plants segment held the largest business share of 45.3% in 2023. This substantial share can be attributed to the critical role that water treatment plants play in ensuring the safety and purity of water supplies by treating water from various sources.
 

• As legionella bacteria pose a significant threat in water systems, regulatory bodies and public health agencies mandate stringent testing and monitoring protocols within water treatment facilities to mitigate legionella contamination and safeguard public health.
   
• Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on legionella risk management has propelled demand for comprehensive testing solutions within the water treatment industry.

In 2023, North America held a significant business share of 40.6% in the global legionella testing market and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline.
 

• North America has a robust healthcare infrastructure and regulatory framework that emphasizes the importance of legionella testing for public health and safety.
   
• Regulatory agencies in North America, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have implemented stringent guidelines and regulations requiring regular testing and monitoring of water systems for legionella contamination, particularly in high-risk settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and commercial buildings.
   
• Additionally, increased awareness among healthcare providers and facility managers regarding the risks associated with legionella-related illnesses, such as legionnaires' disease, has stimulated the demand for legionella testing services and products in the region.
   

Legionella Testing Market Share

The legionella testing industry is competitive in nature, with several large multinationals and small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The development and launch of novel advanced products based on different technologies is among a key market strategy. Some of the leading industry players including Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, Abbott Laboratories, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc among others have a notable presence in the market.
 

Legionella Testing Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the legionella testing industry include:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Becton, Dickinson & Company
• Biomerieux
• Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
• Danaher Corporation
• IDEXX Laboratories Inc
• Merck KGaA
• Pro-lab Diagnostics Inc.
• QIAGEN N.V.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
   

Legionella Testing Industry News:

• In November 2022, IDEXX acquired Tecta-PDS, an innovative Canadian company recognized for automating water microbiology testing, covering parameters like E. coli and total coliforms. This acquisition enabled IDEXX to diversify its portfolio of water microbiology testing options, catering to both laboratory-based and in-field testing requirements.
   

The legionella testing market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2018 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Test Type

• Culture methods                         
• Urinary antigen test (UAT)                    
• Serology                          
• Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA)                        
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing
• Other test types

Market, By Application

• Water testing         
  • Microbial culture
  • DFA stain
  • PCR
• Invitro diagnostics (IVD) testing
  • Blood culture and sputum tests
  • Urinary antigen tests
  • DFA stain
  • PCR   
• Other applications

Market, By End-use

• Hospital and clinics                     
• Water treatment plants      
• Diagnostic laboratories      
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa