Diagnostics company Meridian Bioscience (NASDAQ:VIVO) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for a test to detect bacteria commonly associated with Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung inflammation caused by an infection.
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Cincinnati, Ohio-area Meridian said the test, called TRU Legionella, is an important addition to its respiratory product portfolio.
“This new assay solidifies our position as a leader in rapid, accurate testing methods for infectious disease testing,” CEO Jack Kraeutler said.
Meridian said the bacteria associated with Legionnaires’ disease is implicated in 5 percent to 8 percent of the 4 million to 5 million cases of community-acquired pneumonia per year in the U.S.
In December, Meridian received FDA clearances for tests for C. difficile and group B streptococcus.
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[Photo by flickr user Spec-ta-cles]
