First isolation of Legionella species, including L. pneumophila serogroup 1, in Greek potting soils: possible importance for public health

A total of 21 Legionella isolates were recovered from six out of 22 samples of potting soil from the Athens area, Greece. Legionella pneumophila (serogroups 1 and 2–15) and species and serotypes included in the group of L. longbeachae serogroups 1 and 2, L. bozemanii serogroups 1 and 2, L. dumoffii, L. gormanii, L. jordanis, L. micdadei and L. anisa were isolated on BCYEα agar containing cysteine, GVPC and natamycin and on BCYEα agar containing cysteine, Wadowsky Yee supplement and natamycin. The bacterial load was 4000–120 000 CFU/g of potting soil. The isolation of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 from Greek potting soils is reported here for the first time.