[Molecular epidemiological markers of Legionella pneumophila in the Valencian Community (III). Peptide profiles].

Electrophoretic profiles using soluble peptides obtained from Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 have been studied to be used as epidemiological markers. Using 8.5% polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE) a unique profile common to environmental and clinical isolates has been detected showing 2 differential bands: a 150 kD and a 230 kD band present in only one clinical isolate. In order to achieve better resolution in the peptide profile 10 to 20% gradient SDS-PAGE has been used, confirming the existence of a common profile and 2 subtypes as well as another profile present in a smaller number of strains.