Development of a pair of real-time loop mediated isothermal amplification assays for detection of Yersinia pestis,the causative agent of plague

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague mainly infects rodents, while humans are the accidental host. The conventional diagnostic methods available for Y. pestis exhibit cross-reactivity with other enteropathogenic bacteria which makes its detection difficult. Rapid and reliable point-of-care detection of Y. pestis is essential for timely initiation of medical treatment. In the present study, a pair of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays has been developed for rapid detection of Y. pestis. Two sets of LAMP primers, each containing 6 primers were specifically designed targeting caf1 and 3a genes located on pFra plasmid and chromosome of Y. pestis, respectively. Isothermal amplification was accomplished at 65 °C for 40 min for caf1 target, and at 63 °C for 50 min for 3a choromosomal target. The analytical sensitivity of the assay for the caf1 and 3a targets was found to be 500 fg and 100 fg genomic DNA of Y. pestis, respectively. The caf1 and 3a LAMP assays detected as few as 100 copies of caf1 and 10 copies of 3a gene targets harboured in the respective recombinant plasmids. The amplified products were detected visually under visible and UV light using SYBR Green 1 dye. The assay pair was found to be highly specific as it did not cross-react with closely related and other bacterial species.     

Rapid and sensitive detection of Vibrio vulnificus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow dipstick targeted to rpoS gene

A novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with amplicon detection by chromatographic lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay was developed and evaluated for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus. Biotinylated LAMP amplicons were produced by a set of six designed primers that recognized the V. vulnificus RNA polymerase subunit sigma factor S (rpoS) gene followed by hybridization with an FITC-labeled probe and LFD detection. The optimized time and temperature conditions for the LAMP assay were 90 min at 65 °C. The LAMP–LFD method accurately identified 14 isolates of V. vulnificus but did not detect 25 non-vulnificus Vibrio isolates and 37 non-Vibrio isolates. The sensitivity of LAMP–LFD for V. vulnificus detection in pure culture was 1.5 × 10³ CFU ml⁻¹ or equivalent to 2.8 CFU per reaction. In the case of spiked oyster samples without enrichment, the detection limit for V. vulnificus was 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ or equivalent to 11 CFU per reaction. The results show that this method appears to be accurate, precise and valuable tool for identification of V. vulnificus and can be used efficiently for detection of V. vulnificus in contaminated food sample.     

Real-time PCR using SYBR Green for the detection of Shigella spp. in food and stool samples

Shigella spp are exquisitely fastidious Gram negative organisms that frequently get missed in the detection by traditional culture methods. For this reason, this work has adapted a classical PCR for detection of Shigella in food and stool specimens to real-time PCR using the SYBR Green format. This method follows a melting curve analysis to be more rapid and provide both qualitative and quantitative data about the targeted pathogen.A total of 117 stool samples with diarrhea and 102 food samples were analyzed in Public Health Regional Laboratory of Nabeul by traditional culture methods and real-time PCR. To validate the real-time PCR assay, an experiment was conducted with both spiked and naturally contaminated stool samples. All Shigella strains tested were ipaH positive and all non-Shigella strains yielded no amplification products. The melting temperature (T_m = 81.5 ± 0.5 °C) was consistently specific for the amplicon. Correlation coefficients of standard curves constructed using the quantification cycle (C_q) versus copy numbers of Shigella showed good linearity (R² = 0.995; slope = 2.952) and the minimum level of detection was 1.5 × 10³ CFU/g feces. All food samples analyzed were negative for Shigella by standard culture methods, whereas ipaH was detected in 8.8% culture negative food products. Moreover, the ipaH specific PCR system increased the detection rate over that by culture alone from 1.7% to 11.1% among patients with diarrhea.The data presented here shows that the SYBR Green I was suitable for use in the real-time PCR assay, which provided a specific, sensitive and efficient method for the detection and quantification of Shigella spp in food and stool samples.     

Selection,characterization, and application of DNA aptamers for the capture and detection of Salmonella enterica serovars

Sensitive and specific pre-analytical sample processing methods are needed to enhance our ability to detect and quantify food borne pathogens from complex food and environmental samples. In this study, DNA aptamers were selected and evaluated for the capture and detection of Salmonella enterica serovar. Typhimurium. A total of 66 candidate sequences were enriched against S. Typhimurium outer membrane proteins (OMPs) with counter-selection against Escherichia coli OMPs and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Specificity of the selected aptamers was evaluated by gel-shift analysis against S. Typhimurium OMP. Five Salmonella-specific aptamer candidates were selected for further characterization. A dilution-to-extinction capture protocol using pure cultures of S. Typhimurium further narrowed the field to two candidates (aptamers 33 and 45) which showed low-end detection limits of 10–40 CFU. DNase protection assays applied to these aptamers confirmed sequence-specific binding to S. Typhimurium OMP preparations, while South-Western blot analysis combined with mass spectrometry identified putative membrane proteins as targets for aptamer binding. Aptamer 33 was bound to magnetic beads and used for the capture of S. Typhimurium seeded into whole carcass chicken rinse samples, followed by detection using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In a pull-down assay format, detection limits were 10¹–10² CFU S. Typhimurium/9 mL rinsate, while in a recirculation format, detection limits were 10²–10³ CFU/25 mL rinsate. Reproducible detection at <10¹ S. typhimurium CFU/g was also achieved in spike-and-recovery experiments using bovine feces. The pull-down analysis using aptamer 33 was validated on 3 naturally infected chicken litter samples confirming their applicability in the field. This study demonstrates the applicability of Salmonella specific aptamers for pre-analytical sample processing as applied to food and environmental sample matrices.     

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay targeting the ompA gene for rapid detection of Riemerella anatipestifer

A novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for the detection of Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) infection. The LAMP assay exhibited a higher sensitivity than conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbial isolation. The specificity of the assay was determined by restriction enzyme digestion of the LAMP products and detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Pasteurella multocida. The LAMP assay was able to detect RA effectively in samples of the reference strains, isolated strains and infected duck brains. This assay is a useful tool for the diagnosis of RA infection in the clinical setting.     

Hemoculture and Direct Sputum Detection of mecA‐Mediated Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Combination With a Lateral‐Flow Dipstick

This study reports loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from direct clinical specimens. Four primers including outer and inner primers were specifically designed on the two target sequences—femB to identify S. aureus and mecA to identify antibiotic‐resistant gene. Reference strains including various species of gram‐positive/gram‐negative isolates were used to evaluate and optimize LAMP assays. The optimum LAMP condition was found at 63°C within 70 min assay time (include hybridization with FITC probe for 5 min and further 5 min for reading the results on the lateral flow dipstick). The detection limits of LAMP for mecA was 10 pg of total DNA or 100 CFU/ml. The LAMP assays were applied to a total of 155 samples of direct DNA extraction from sputum and hemoculture bottles. The sensitivity of LAMP for mecA detection in sputum and hemoculture bottles was 93.3% (28/30) and 100% (52/52), respectively. In conclusion, LAMP assay is an alternative technique for rapid detection of MRSA infection with a technical simplicity and cost‐effective method in a routine diagnostic laboratory.     

Rapid diagnosis of largemouth bass ranavirus in fish samples using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

Largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBV) has been recognized as the causative pathogen responsible for infectious skin ulcerative syndrome in cultured largemouth bass in China. A fast and simple LMBV detection method is urgently needed. Here, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was established for the detection of this virus using primers targeting the major capsid protein gene of LMBV. The amplification conditions were optimized; the assay was specific for the diagnosis of LMBV, as there was no cross-reactivity with other four Iridoviridae viruses (large yellow croaker iridovirus, Singapore grouper iridovirus, tiger frog virus, and soft-shelled turtle iridovirus), grass carp reovirus, white spot syndrome virus, or healthy largemouth bass. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was found to be 8.55 × 10¹ copies/μL of LMBV DNA, which was 10-fold higher than that of the conventional PCR. Application of the LAMP assay was evaluated using 10 clinical samples, and the results indicated the reliability of the test as a rapid, field diagnostic tool for LMBV detection. Thus, the simplicity and nearly instrument-free LAMP method provides an alternative for rapid and sensitive detection of LMBV and has great potential for early diagnosis of LMBV infection in the farm.     

Evaluation of LAMP assay using phenotypic tests and PCR for detection of blaKPC gene among clinical samples

BackgroundCarbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection constitutes a public health threat, which blaKPC was the major carbapenemases concerned in China. Timely and efficient diagnosis is of paramount importance for controlling the spread of drug‐resistant bacteria. Here, we develop an approach based on loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid confirmation of blaKPC within 60 min from samples collected.MethodsWe designed primers specific to detect blaKPC and evaluated it for its sensitivity and specificity of detection using real‐time monitoring. Five hundred forty‐six clinical specimens were analyzed by the LAMP assay and compared with the phenotypic tests and PCR. The samples with inconsistent results were further verified by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe LAMP assay displayed a detection limit of 1 × 10² CFU/ml, which was 10‐fold more sensitive than the PCR. No cross‐reactivity was observed for strains that produced other types of β‐lactamase. Furthermore, we demonstrated concordant results (Kappa > 0.75) between the genotypic method and phenotypic tests for the 546 clinical samples. The data presented in this study suggested that the genotypic method is a reliable assay for identifying blaKPC‐induced CRE in China. The results of the Sanger sequencing indicate that the developed method not only has high accuracy but also meets the need for rapid diagnosis, while the PCR method is prone to false negatives.ConclusionsWe successfully constructed a LAMP technique that can be used for auxiliary diagnosis of CRE, which is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than the PCR. It may therefore be routinely applied for detection of blaKPC producers in routine clinical laboratories.     

A comprehensive review on the prevalence,pathogenesis and detection of Yersinia enterocolitica

Food safety is imperative for a healthy life, but pathogens are still posing a significant life threat. “Yersiniosis” is caused by a pathogen named Yersinia enterocolitica and is characterized by diarrheal, ileitis, and mesenteric lymphadenitis types of sicknesses. This neglected pathogen starts its pathogenic activity by colonizing inside the intestinal tract of the host upon the ingestion of contaminated food. Y. enterocolitica remains a challenge for researchers and food handlers due to its growth habits, low concentrations in samples, morphological similarities with other bacteria and lack of rapid, cost-effective, and accurate detection methods. In this review, we presented recent information about its prevalence, biology, pathogenesis, and existing cultural, immunological, and molecular detection approaches. Our ultimate goal is to provide updated knowledge regarding this pathogen for the development of quick, effective, automated, and sensitive detection methods for the systematic detection of Y. enterocolitica.

Food safety is imperative for a healthy life, but pathogens are still posing a significant life threat.     

Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the sensitive and rapid diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is at the forefront in the search for innovative diagnostics for rapid and specific amplification of target DNA under isothermal conditions. We have applied LAMP assay using SYBR Green for clear-cut naked eye detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani in 200 clinical samples of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). The assay was positive in 53/55 VL blood samples (sensitivity, 96.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 87.7–99%), 15/15 VL bone marrow aspirate samples (sensitivity, 100%; 95% CI, 79.6–100%), 60/62 PKDL tissue biopsy samples (sensitivity, 96.8%; 95% CI, 88.9–99.1%), and 1/68 control samples (specificity, 98.5%; 95% CI, 92.1–99.7%). The assay was specific for L. (L.) donovani, the causative species for VL and negative for L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) tropica, and L. (L.) major. This is the first comprehensive clinical study demonstrating the applicability of the LAMP assay for a rapid and reliable molecular diagnosis of VL and PKDL.     

The fluorescent probe-based recombinase-aided amplification for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is a common foodborne morbigenous microorganism, which can spread through fecal-oral transmission. Humans can be infected by ingesting foods and water contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, which can cause various symptoms. In present study, we have successfully developed a quick and hypersensitive fluorescent probe-based Recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) method and applied in E. coli O157:H7 detection at 39 °C in 20 min. The sensitivity of the assay in pure E. coli O157:H7 suspension was 5.6 × 10⁰ CFU/mL. The fluorescent probe-based RAA assay was further applied in three samples, and the limit of detection (LOD) in skimmed milk, lettuces and lake water was 5.4 × 10¹ CFU/mL, 7.9 × 10¹ CFU/mL and 5.2 × 10¹ CFU/mL, separately. This method showed a high sensitivity and short detection time, which has the feasible application in on-site test in real samples.     

Rapid and sensitive detection of Penaeus monodon nucleopolyhedrovirus (PemoNPV) by loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with a lateral-flow dipstick

Several methods such as traditional PCR or nested-PCR, immuno assay and histopathology have been developed for detection of Penaeus monodon nucleopolyhedrovirus (PemoNPV) formerly called monodon baculovirus (MBV). However, these methods have various disadvantages including low sensitivity, long assay time, use of toxic substances or unsuitability for field diagnosis. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of target nucleotide sequences under isothermal conditions, combined with amplicon detection by chromatographic lateral-flow dipsticks allows for more efficient, field friendly detection within 75 min (not including DNA preparation time). In this study, the LAMP amplicon was biotinylated via an inner LAMP primer designed from a BamHI fragment B, a hypothetical protein gene of PemoNPV under isothermal condition at 63 °C for 1 h. Next, the LAMP product was hybridized at 63 °C for 5 min with an optimal FITC-labeled probe that was designed specifically for the LAMP amplicons. The FITC-labeled biotinylated LAMP product picked up gold-labeled, anti-FITC near the LFD origin and the whole, triple-labeled complex was captured by an immobilized biotin-binding protein to yield a red nano-gold stripe at the LFD test line. With a DNA template extracted from PemoNPV-infected shrimp, the LAMP–LFD detection limit was 0.1 pg, whereas one-step PCR and nested-PCR followed with gel electrophoresis was 1 pg. The LAMP–LFD method gave negative test results with buffer and DNA from shrimp infected with other common shrimp DNA viruses including, Penaeus monodon densovirus (PmDNV) formerly called hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Penaeus stylirostris densovirus (PstDNV) formerly called infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). The test platform can be adapted easily for rapid detection of other shrimp viruses, since the LAMP–LFD combination system was a highly sensitive, specific, convenient, and does not require sophisticated instruments.     

A rapid,simple, and sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification method to detect toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in rectal swab samples

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was designed for clinical diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae carrying the ctxA gene. The detection limits of the method were 5 fg of purified genomic DNA/reaction and 0.54 CFU/reaction. The method was applied to rectal swab samples from cholera patients and healthy volunteers (19 subjects each) and yielded the same results as the “gold standard” culture method, while the polymerase chain reaction-based method failed to detect V. cholerae in 8 of the positive samples. Direct application of this LAMP method without precultivation enabled the rapid detection of 5 asymptomatic carriers from rectal swabs of 21 household contacts of cholera patients. This LAMP method could be a sensitive, specific, inexpensive, and rapid detection tool for V. cholerae carrying the ctxA gene in the clinical laboratory and in the field.     

Detection of Klebsiella pneumonia in respiratory tract samples by the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

目的:建立环介导等温扩增技术(loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP)检测呼吸道感染患者痰液中肺炎克雷伯菌(Klebsiella pneumoniae,Kpn)的方法并进行初步应用。方法:基于Kpn phoE基因设计4条特异性引物,对反应条件中的Mg^2+和甜菜碱浓度进行优化,建立检测Kpn LAMP方法并进行特异性和灵敏度试验;收集308例呼吸道感染患者痰液样本,进行细菌培养法、LAMP法、DNA测序技术检测,评估LAMP检测体系。结果:8 mmol/L、0.4 mmol/L确定为Mg^2+和甜菜碱的最佳扩增浓度;该体系特异性强,与其他菌株无交叉反应,灵敏度为104 CFU/mL;临床样本中Kpn的LAMP检出率(53.89%)高于培养法(42.20%),差异有统计学意义(χ^2=161.65,P<0.05);LAMP法与细菌培养法在Kpn阳性样本、无细菌生长样本、非Kpn其他细菌阳性样本中的一致率分别为96.15%、100%、65.25%,46例不一致样本经DNA测序验证,LAMP法与测序符合率为86.95%(40/46);LAMP法和DNA测序法对131例样本同时进行检测,经Kappa检验两者具有极好的一致性(Kappa系数=0.817)。结论:与细菌培养法相比,LAMP法具有准确性高、灵敏度高、特异性强、反应省时等优势,可以作为肺炎克雷伯菌的快速检测方法。     

环介导等温扩增检测肺炎链球菌方法的建立及临床应用

目的 建立环介导等温扩增(LAMP)快速检测肺炎链球菌的方法.方法 根据美国国家生物信息中心(GenBank)上提交的肺炎链球菌R6株的lytA基因序列(登录号AF2)08540)设计特异LAMP引物,以盐酸胍一苯甲醇法提取阳性血培养瓶中细菌DNA,然后以LAMP技术扩增lytA基因,反应条件为63℃45 min,采用肉眼观察浊度和琼脂糖电泳的方法来观察结果.结果 在196份阳性血培养瓶中,采用LAMP法检测到肺炎链球菌16株,与传统方法比较,其检测肺炎链球菌的灵敏度和特异度均达到100%,且检测时间缩短为1 h左右.模拟标本的检测结果显示该方法的最低检测限为102CFU/ml.结论 该方法灵敏度高,特异性强,操作方便快速,适合从临床标本中检测肺炎链球菌.     

Development and validation of a quantitative real-time PCR assay for the early diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis

A new real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay based on a Coccidioides genus–specific molecular beacon probe was developed for the detection of coccidioidomycosis and validated with tissues from animal models and clinical samples. The assay showed high analytic reproducibility (r² > 0.99) and specificity for cultured strains (100%); the lower limit of detection was 1 fg of genomic DNA/μL of reaction. Fungal burdens in the organs of mice infected with Coccidioides posadasii strain Silveira were more accurately quantified by RT-PCR compared to colony-forming unit for all tissues. The RT-PCR assay was positive for 97.7% of spleen and 100% of liver or lung. Progression of infection in all organs was similar by both methods (P > 0.05). The sensitivity of the assay also was 100% for paraffin-embedded samples and samples from patients with positive cultures. Our RT-PCR assay is effective for the diagnosis and monitoring of Coccidioides infection, and its use also avoids the biohazard and time delay of identifying cultures in the clinical setting.     

Application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for the detection of pathogenic Leptospira

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease, which is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. There are more than 230 known serovars in the genus Leptospira. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. was developed and evaluated through amplification of the lipL41 gene coding for the outer membrane protein LipL41. The LAMP assay did not rely on the isolation and culture of leptospires, and no cross-reactivity was observed with other bacterial species. A SYBR Green I-based LAMP assay was also carried out for the real-time detection of DNA amplification. The lower detection limit of the LAMP assay was approximately 100 copies, which was the same as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR assays. The accuracy of the LAMP reaction was confirmed by restriction endonuclease analysis of the amplified product. The LAMP assay is easy to perform and inexpensive, and so may be applied in the rapid and specific diagnosis of Leptospira.     

快速检测粪便中艰难梭菌的方法研究

目的建立可用于粪便中艰难梭菌快速检测的环介导恒温扩增(LAMP)方法。方法针对艰难梭菌毒素A基因,设计引物。采用LAMP对艰难梭菌和其他腹泻干扰菌及不同浓度艰难梭菌的扩增检测,对其特异性和灵敏度进行评价。同时采用LAMP和荧光定量PCR对100例疑似艰难梭菌感染的临床腹泻患者粪便进行检测,对两种方法进行比较。结果 LAMP对艰难梭菌及6种腹泻干扰菌的检测,只针对艰难梭菌有扩增,显示了较好的特异性。LAMP最低检测限为10CFU/mL,灵敏度较高。对100例临床粪便标本LAMP检测结果与荧光定量PCR比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05,χ2=0.1429)。结论本研究建立的粪便中艰难梭菌的LAMP快速检测方法特异性好、灵敏度较高、操作简便,适用于艰难梭菌的临床快速检测及现场检测。     

Detection of Bacillus cereus with enteropathogenic potential by multiplex real-time PCR based on SYBR green I

In order to meet the growing demand for fast and reliable detection of potentially toxinogenic Bacillus cereus, we developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay based on SYBR Green I with subsequent melting curve analysis. We designed and selected primers specific for genes of toxins responsible for diarrhoea (nheA, hblD and cytK1) and emesis (ces). A panel of 337 Bacillus strains was applied to the novel method on Light Cycler 2.0 with average melting temperature (T_m) values of 73.85 °C (nheA), 87.01 °C (hblD), 78.66 °C (ces) and 82.19 °C (cytK1). An adapted version of the assay was also successfully run on Light Cycler 480 using one third (113 strains) of the total test panel. Verification of PCR results by conventional PCR as well as immunoassays and cytotoxicity tests gave an overall excellent correlation. Distinct melting peaks were only observed in B. cereus and B. cereus group strains but not in other Bacilli and Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. Artificial contamination of three different food matrices with distinct bacterial counts revealed a detection limit of 10¹ CFU/g B. cereus cells after overnight enrichment. Thus, the novel multiplex real-time PCR turned out to be a reliable method for identification of B. cereus with enteropathogenic potential.     

Specific detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the snail Achatina fulica using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a rat lungworm, can cause eosinophilic meningitis and angiostrongyliasis in humans following ingestion of contaminated foods or intermediate/paratenic hosts with infective larvae. The snail Achatina fulica is one of the important intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis and is commonly eaten by humans in some countries. In the present study, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the specific detection of A. cantonensis in Ac. fulica. Primers for LAMP were designed based on the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of A. cantonensis. Specificity tests showed that only the products of A. cantonensis were detected when DNA samples of A. cantonensis and the heterologous control samples Anisakis simplex s.s, Trichuris trichiura, Toxocara canis, Trichinella spiralis and Ascaris lumbricoides were amplified by LAMP. Sensitivity evaluation indicated that the LAMP assay is 10 times more sensitive than the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The established LAMP assay is rapid, inexpensive and easy to be performed. It can be used in clinical applications for rapid and sensitive detection of A. cantonensis in snails, which has implications for the effective control of angiostrongyliasis.