LEGIONELLA TESTING MARKET ANALYSIS

The global legionella testing market size was valued at US$ 312.6 Mn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 553.3 Mn by 2030, grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2023 to 2030.

The global legionella testing market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by growing concerns about waterborne diseases and the need for stringent water saAfety regulations. Legionella bacteria, known to cause Legionnaires' disease, can thrive in various water systems, including cooling towers, plumbing networks, and hot tubs. As a result, industries ranging from healthcare and hospitality to manufacturing and commercial real estate are increasingly recognizing the importance of regular Legionella testing to ensure the health and safety of occupants and customers. The market has responded with a range of testing solutions, including both traditional culture-based methods and advanced molecular techniques that offer quicker and more accurate results. Additionally, the evolving landscape of environmental regulations has further bolstered the demand for Legionella testing services as businesses seek to comply with standards aimed at preventing outbreaks and safeguarding public health.

Global Legionella Testing Market Regional Insights

• North America: North America is the largest market for legionella testing, accounting for a share of over 44.3% in 2022. North America has a well-established market for legionella testing due to stringent regulations and guidelines for water safety. The U.S., in particular, has regulatory bodies like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) that provide guidelines for Legionella management. The market here could be driven by a combination of public health concerns and compliance with these regulations.
• Europe: Europe is the second-largest market for legionella testing, accounting for a share of over 29.1% in 2022. Europe also has a significant legionella testing market, with countries like the U.S., France, Germany, and Italy being major players. The European Union has directives and regulations in place for water quality and safety, which contribute to the demand for Legionella testing. Additionally, outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in the past have led to increased awareness and testing efforts.
• Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for legionella testing, accounting for a share of over 20.2% in 2022. The Asia-Pacific region is seeing a growing demand for legionella testing due to increasing urbanization, industrialization, and a focus on public health. Countries like China, Japan, and Australia are likely to have active markets for Legionella testing, especially in high-density urban areas and industries with cooling towers and large water systems.

Figure 1. Global Legionella Testing Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Analyst View

As technology continues to advance and awareness of Legionella-related risks grows, the Legionella testing market is poised for ongoing expansion. The integration of automation, remote monitoring, and data analytics into testing processes is enhancing efficiency and enabling proactive risk management. Moreover, the ongoing research and development in the field of water quality monitoring is likely to lead to the creation of more sophisticated and user-friendly testing solutions.

Global Legionella Testing Market Drivers:

• Public Health Concerns: The primary driver for the legionella testing market is public health awareness. Legionella bacteria can cause severe respiratory illnesses like Legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal. As cases of Legionnaires' disease are reported and publicized, there's an increased focus on preventing outbreaks and ensuring the safety of water systems in various settings, including hospitals, hotels, residential buildings, and industrial facilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many countries and regions have established regulations and guidelines for water quality and safety, which often include measures to prevent and manage Legionella contamination. Compliance with these regulations drives the demand for routine Legionella testing in water systems. Organizations in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing need to adhere to these regulations to avoid fines and legal consequences.
• Increased Awareness: Outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in the past have raised public and industry awareness about the risks associated with Legionella bacteria. As a result, more organizations are taking proactive measures to prevent contamination by implementing regular testing and maintenance of water systems. For instance, on August 14, 2023, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reminded residents to be aware of legionellosis, a respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionellosis can present as Legionnaires’ disease with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and pneumonia; or as Pontiac fever with similar symptoms but no pneumonia.
• Increasing Incidences: The incidence of legionella infections around the world has been steadily rising over the past decade. For instance, in February 2022, a study titled "Global Perspective of Legionella Infection in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies" was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study found that the average incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was 46.7 per 100,000 people. It was discovered that in 4.6% of instances, Legionella was the cause of CAP. Consequently, 2020 saw an average Legionella incidence rate of 2.8 cases per 100,000 people. Thus, the growing incidence of pneumonia and legionnaires-associated diseases is expected to boost growth of the market.

Global Legionella Testing Market Opportunities:

• Technology Advancements: Ongoing advancements in testing technologies, including molecular methods and automated detection systems, offer opportunities for more accurate and efficient Legionella testing. Developing and adopting innovative testing methods can improve the speed and reliability of results. The urinary antigen test (UAT) is a diagnostic tool that provides rapid outcomes, usually same-day results. For instance, the study "Evaluation of Four Lateral Flow Assays for the Detection of Legionella Urinary Antigen", published in the MDPI Journal in March 2021, reported that Legionella UATs had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 53.9-61.5% and 90.0-94.9%, respectively. On the other hand, the Legionella UATs used to detect the L. pneumophila serogroup showed sensitivity and specificity ranges of 55.5-96% and 95.6-100%, respectively.
• Data Analytics and Monitoring: Integrating data analytics and real-time monitoring into Legionella testing can provide proactive insights into water system health. This allows for quicker response to potential contamination and helps prevent outbreaks by identifying changes in water quality.
• Preventive Services: Offering comprehensive preventive services, including regular testing, maintenance, and consultation, can position companies as partners in water system safety. Providing a holistic solution to clients can establish long-term relationships and loyalty.
• Educational Programs: Developing educational programs and training for building owners, facility managers, and employees can raise awareness about Legionella risks, prevention, and management. Educating stakeholders on best practices can create opportunities for consulting and testing services. For instance, on June 12, 2023, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI), a provider of environmental health, industrial hygiene, emergency response, technical, and development services, provided infection control and environmental testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services in New Jersey to identify sources of Legionella bacteria to support water management programs and to help prevent new cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

Global Legionella Testing Market Trends:

• Digital Transformation: Like many industries, the Legionella testing market was undergoing digital transformation. This included the adoption of automated testing systems, digital data management, and real-time monitoring solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy in testing processes.
• Remote Monitoring: The use of remote monitoring technologies are becoming more prevalent. These systems allowed for continuous monitoring of water systems, providing real-time data on water quality and potential Legionella contamination. This trend aims to enable proactive responses to emerging risks.
• Molecular Testing Advances: Molecular testing techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other DNA-based methods, were gaining popularity due to their speed and accuracy. These methods allowed for the rapid detection and identification of Legionella bacteria in water samples. For instance, in June 2022, EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading environmental testing firm, announced that its Houston laboratory is offering PCR testing for Bacteroides and Legionella. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to “amplify” small segments of DNA.
• Healthcare Emphasis: With an increasing focus on patient safety, healthcare facilities were placing a strong emphasis on Legionella testing. Hospitals and healthcare institutions are investing in comprehensive testing and water management programs to safeguard patients and staff. For instance, on May 5, 2023, Auburn Community Hospital, a not-for-profit acute care facility, implemented an action plan and notified the New York State Department of Health after testing found elevated levels of Legionella, a bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, in its water system.

Global Legionella Testing Market Restraints:

• Complex Regulations: The regulatory landscape for legionella testing can be complex and vary between regions. Navigating these regulations and ensuring compliance can be challenging for businesses, especially those operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Limited Expertise: The technical expertise required for accurate legionella testing might be lacking in some areas. Finding qualified professionals who are trained in the specific techniques and protocols for testing can be difficult.
• Interpretation of Results: Interpreting legionella test results accurately and taking appropriate actions based on the results can be complex. This challenge could lead to misinterpretation, an improper response, or unnecessary remediation efforts.

Recent Developments

New service launches/ grants

• In June 2022, Eurofins J3 Resources, part of Eurofins Built Environment Testing U.S., specializing in a full suite of analyses including asbestos, Legionella, etc., announced it had granted AIHA LAP, LLC accreditation as part of a national expansion program of industrial hygiene credentials.
• In May 2022, ChemREADY, a manufacturer of water and wastewater treatment chemicals, announced the debut of its new Legionella testing services and product line to battle the water-borne infection in building water systems.
• In August 2020, IDEXX, a global leader in pet healthcare innovation, announced that the Legiolert culture testing method for Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) has been accepted by the UK’s Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA).

Acquisition and partnerships

• In August 2022, Canadian firm Genomadix entered into a collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, a healthcare company, to advance its point-of-care molecular analyzer technology.
• In June 2022, the New York Attorney General, Verizon, and the New York Attorney General signed an agreement that requires Verizon to act quickly and thoroughly to prevent the Legionnaires' illness from spreading throughout the state of New York.
• In December 2021, Pace Analytical Services, a division of Pace Science and Technology Company and preferred provider of in-lab, mobile, and emergency onsite specialty-contaminant and regulatory testing and analysis services, announced that it had acquired Special Pathogens Laboratory, the market leader in Legionella testing, detection, remediation, and prevention. This acquisition aims to strengthen testing and analytical capabilities for Legionnaires' disease.

 Figure 2. Global Legionella Testing Market Share (%), by Application, 2023

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Top companies in Global Legionella Testing Market

• Eurofins Scientific
• ALS Limited
• Bio-Rad Laboratories
• IDEXX Laboratories
• Aqua Legion UK
• Palintest
• LuminUltra
• Special Pathogens Laboratory
• Romer Labs
• Real Time Lab Services
• Abbott
• Beckman Coulter, Inc.
• BD
• Pro Lab Diagnostics Inc.

*Definition: Legionella testing involves the analysis of water samples from various sources, such as cooling towers, potable water systems, and industrial facilities, to detect the presence of Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Testing aims to identify and quantify the bacteria's presence, helping to ensure water safety, prevent outbreaks, and comply with regulations.