External Primers Research Articles

Optimizing single-tube nested PCR for enhanced genotyping of single cells and in vitro produced bovine embryos

Single-tube nested PCR (STnPCR) is a technique that improves nested PCR, reducing potential contamination and false-positive results, enhancing the amplification sensitivity. Despite being commonly used for the detection of microorganisms, STnPCR can be a valuable tool for bovine genotyping, encompassing essential targets as ROSA26 and TSPY, pivotal in the fields of animal reproduction, genetic improvement, and transgenic research. The objective of this study was to improve and innovate STnPCR for gene detection in cattle. We aimed to detect the ROSA26 and TSPY genes using low-concentration DNA samples, including single cells, small cell groups (one to five cells), in vitro-produced embryos, and bovine tissue samples. Moreover, we refined STnPCR for gene detection in up to single cells by conducting sensitivity testing with different concentration ratios of internal and external primers. Successful amplification of the ROSA26 and TSPY genes was achieved across all tested primer concentrations, even in single cells, with more consistent results observed at lower primer concentrations. Additionally, simultaneous gene amplification was achieved through STnPCR multiplexing, representing the first study of multiplex STnPCR in cattle. These outcomes not only confirm its effectiveness in detecting genetic markers for animal genetic improvement and transgenic elements but also pave the way for its widespread adoption in reproductive studies in bovines.

A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Rapid Detection of Didymella segeticola Causing Tea Leaf Spot.

Tea leaf spot caused by Didymella segeticola is an important disease that threatens the healthy growth of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) and results in reductions in the productivity and quality of tea leaves. Early diagnosis of the disease is particularly important for managing the infection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is an efficient diagnostic technique with the advantages of simplicity, specificity, and sensitivity. In this study, we developed a rapid, visual, and high-sensitivity LAMP assay for D. segeticola detection based on sequence-characterized amplified regions. Two pairs of amplification primers (external primers F3 and B3 and internal primers FIP and BIP) were designed based on a specific sequence in D. segeticola (NCBI accession number: OR987684). Compared to common pathogens of other genera in tea plants and other species in the Didymella genus (Didymella coffeae-arabicae, Didymella pomorum, and Didymella sinensis), the LAMP method is specific for detecting the species D. segeticola. The assay was able to detect D. segeticola at a minimal concentration of 1 fg/μL genomic DNA at an optimal reaction temperature of 65 °C for 60 min. When healthy leaves were inoculated with D. segeticola in the laboratory, the LAMP method successfully detected D. segeticola in diseased tea leaves at 72 h post inoculation. The LAMP assays were negative when the DNA samples were extracted from healthy leaves. Leaf tissues with necrotic lesions from 18 germplasms of tea plants tested positive for the pathogen by the LAMP assay. In summary, this study established a specific, sensitive, and simple LAMP method to detect D. segeticola, which provides reliable technical support for estimating disease prevalence and facilitates sustainable management of tea leaf spot.

Molecular detection of Paracoccidioides spp. in environmental samples from the Southwestern Amazon.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an infection with the potential for environmental dissemination, especially in regions of hot and humid climate, where human cases have been recorded in the Southwestern Amazon of Brazil, specifically in the state of Acre. Despite studies providing information about the presence of these fungi in soil and animal samples, such as armadillos, further investigations are still needed to determine the epidemiological distribution of the genus Paracoccidioides. The aim of this study was to detect the occurrence of Paracoccidioides fungi in the Southwestern Amazon. To achieve this, 60 soil samples were collected from armadillo burrows on rural properties in the in the municipalities of Acrelândia, Bujari, Plácido de Castro, Rio Branco, Sena Madureira, and Senador Guiomard, located in the state of Acre, Brazil. Fungal DNA was extracted from these samples using the DNEASY® PowerSoil kit-Quiagen, followed by Nested PCR technique with ITS4 and ITS5 as external primers, and PBITS-E and PBITS-R as internal primers. DNA amplification products of about 380 bp compatible with Paracoccidioides spp. were detected in six samples (10%), being sequenced and identified as P. brasiliensis. These findings indicate that the soils of the Acre state could be considered a potential source for Paracoccidioides spp., suggesting that local infections are likely.

Cloning and periplasmic soluble expression of hepatitis B surface antigen gene in Escherichia coli.

The objective of this study was to clone and express the hepatitis B surface antigen gene (HBsAg) in Escherichia coli (E. coli), thereby aiming to develop potential local therapeutics for combating Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the Pakistani community by producing HBsAg in E. coli. Blood serum samples were collected from hepatitis B-infected patients, and their genomic DNA was extracted. Real-time and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the HBsAg gene. The gene of interest was cloned into the pET20b expression vector and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) using Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. The gene's precise size was confirmed with gene-specific external and internal primers (681 bp and 400 bp, respectively). The HBsAg gene was successfully sequenced and submitted to GenBank, exhibiting 98% homology with targeted HBV sequences worldwide. The expression of HBsAg protein was confirmed through silver staining, Coomassie staining, western blot, and dot blot analysis. The expressed protein clones are now available for further development as a local recombinant DNA vaccine to prevent hepatitis B viral infection in the local community.

Establishment and application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) method for detecting Clostridium piliforme.

Clostridium piliforme (causative agent of Tyzzer disease) infects various animals, including primates, and hence a threat to animal and human health worldwide. At present, it is detected using traditional methods, such as path morphology, polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Therefore, it is necessary to develop convenient, efficient visual molecular biological methods for detecting C. piliforme. To establish a method with good specificity, high sensitivity and simple operation for the detection of C. piliforme. In this study, we designed internal and external primers based on the conserved 23S rRNA region of C. piliforme to develop a biotin-labelled diarrhoea-suffered loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system for detecting of C. piliforme and assessed the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability of the LAMP system. The LAMP system did not exhibit cross-reactivity with 24 other common pathogenic species, indicating that it had good specificity. The minimum concentration of sensitivity was 1×10-7 ng/μL. Mouse models (Meriones unguiculatus) of Tyzzer disease were established and a LAMP-lateral flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) was developed for detecting C. piliforme. The detection rate of C. piliforme was 5.08% in clean-grade animals and 9.96% in specific-pathogen-free-grade animals from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. In addition, the detection rates of C. piliforme were 10.1%, 8.6% and 20%, in animals from Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Shaoxing, respectively. The detection rate of C. piliforme was higher in experimental animals used in schools than in those used in companies and research institutes. The LAMP-LFD method established in this study can be used to detect C. piliforme in animals handled in laboratory facilities of universities, pharmaceutical enterprises and research and development institutions.

A PCR-based method for the diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis in stool samples, specifically designed for clinical application.

Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) is a nematode that infects up to 200 million people worldwide, despite effective medications being available. Conventional diagnostic tests are hindered by low sensitivity and poor patient compliance. Furthermore, no biomolecular techniques are available for clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure specifically designed for clinical application to detect E. vermicularis by means of PCR. Two subject groups were taken into account: a group of 27 infected patients and a control group of 27 healthy subjects. A nested-PCR was performed on fecal samples to detect E. vermicularis. Due to the intrinsic difficulties of the fecal matrix, several countermeasures were adopted to ensure the efficient performance of the method: (a) a large amount of feces for the extraction process (20 g instead of 200 mg); (b) a combination of chemical and physical treatments to grind the fecal matrix; (c) an additional purification process for the negative samples after the first nested-PCR; and (d) the selection of a very specific target region for the PCR. Due to the lack of overlap with other organisms, a sequence of the 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) spacer region including the tract SL1 was chosen to design appropriate external and internal primers. The first nested-PCR detected E.vermicularis in 19/27 samples from infected patients. After further purification, 5/8 of the negative samples resulted positive at the second PCR. Conversely, all the samples from healthy controls resulted negative to both PCRs. Sensitivity and specificity of the method were, respectively, 88.9% and 100%. The results prove the high diagnostic accuracy of the proposed method, addressing and overcoming the challenges posed by both conventional tests and PCR-based approaches. Therefore, the method can be proposed for clinical application.

Accurate Chromosome Identification in the Prunus Subgenus Cerasus (Prunus pseudocerasus) and its Relatives by Oligo-FISH.

A precise, rapid and straightforward approach to chromosome identification is fundamental for cytogenetics studies. However, the identification of individual chromosomes was not previously possible for Chinese cherry or other Prunus species due to the small size and similar morphology of their chromosomes. To address this issue, we designed a pool of oligonucleotides distributed across specific pseudochromosome regions of Chinese cherry. This oligonucleotide pool was amplified through multiplex PCR with specific internal primers to produce probes that could recognize specific chromosomes. External primers modified with red and green fluorescence tags could produce unique signal barcoding patterns to identify each chromosome concomitantly. The same oligonucleotide pool could also discriminate all chromosomes in other Prunus species. Additionally, the 5S/45S rDNA probes and the oligo pool were applied in two sequential rounds of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) localized to chromosomes and showed different distribution patterns among Prunus species. At the same time, comparative karyotype analysis revealed high conservation among P. pseudocerasus, P. avium, and P. persica. Together, these findings establish this oligonucleotide pool as the most effective tool for chromosome identification and the analysis of genome organization and evolution in the genus Prunus.

Investigation of Linear Amplification Using Abasic Site-Containing Primers Coupled to Routine STR Typing for LT-DNA Analysis.

Obtaining a full short tandem repeat (STR) profile from a low template DNA (LT-DNA) still presents a challenge for conventional methods due to significant stochastic effects and polymerase slippage. A novel amplification method with a lower cost and higher accuracy is required to improve the DNA amount. Previous studies suggested that DNA polymerases without bypass activity could not perform processive DNA synthesis beyond abasic sites in vitro and our results showed a lack of bypass activity for Phusion, Pfu and KAPA DNA polymerases in this study. Based on this feature, we developed a novel linear amplification method, termed Linear Aamplification for double-stranded DNA using primers with abasic sites near 3′ end (abLAFD), to limit the replication error. The amplification efficiency was evaluated by qPCR analysis with a result of approximately a 130-fold increase in target DNA. In a LT-DNA analysis, the abLAFD method can be employed as a pre-PCR. Similar to nested PCRs, primer sets used for the abLAFD method were designed as external primers suitable for commercial multiplex STR amplification assays. The practical performance of the abLAFD method was evaluated by coupling it to a routine PP21 STR analysis using 50 pg and 25 pg DNA. Compared to reference profiles, all abLAFD profiles showed significantly recovered alleles, increased average peak height and heterozygote balance with a comparable stutter ratio. Altogether, our results support the theory that the abLAFD method is a promising strategy coupled to STR typing for forensic LT-DNA analysis.

ADVANTAGES OF USING TETRA-PRIMER ARMS-PCR REACTION METHOD FOR DETECTING CARRIERS OF HH3, HH5 FERTILITY HAPLOTYPES IN CATTLE

the strategy for eliminating harmful mutations in the Holstein breed includes genetic monitoring of the prevalence of hidden hereditary anomalies using molecular genetic methods. Currently, there is a tendency to increase the number of hereditary diseases in highly productive breeding animals due to intensive selection and inbreeding. The aim of this study was to develop new and improve existing molecular genetic methods for diagnosing carriers of fertility haplotypes HH3, HH5 in Holstein cows and to study the incidence of these diseases. Diagnosis of heterozygous carriers of the mutation in the coding part of the SMC2 gene was carried out using the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR reaction, the sequences of external and internal primers were determined using the Primer 1 program. Allele-specific primers were used to detect carriers of the deletion in the TFB1M gene, the sizes of the PCR product in homozygous healthy animals 442 bp, in heterozygous carriers 442 bp. and 256 b.p. According to the results of genetic monitoring in the study population, the frequency of heterozygous carriers of the HH3 fertility haplotype was 3.23%, HH5 - 8.35%. It is recommended, in order to control the risk of morbidity of breeding stock with hereditary anomalies, to carry out genetic screening of breeding stock of dairy farms with the coverage of diagnostic tests ranging from 10% to 20% of the total livestock.

Frequency and genetic variability of the avirulence gene AvrLm4-7 among Leptosphaeria maculans isolates collected in Oklahoma, USA

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is an important disease of canola managed primarily through host-plant resistance. Fungal avirulence (AvrLm) genes code for effectors recognized by major host-plant resistance (Rlm) genes. AvrLm4-7 is predominant in the pathogen population in Oklahoma and Kansas, USA, and interacts with the Rlm4 and Rlm7 resistance genes. High-resolution melting analysis and sequencing were used to evaluate the genetic variability of AvrLm4-7 in avirulent (A) and virulent (a) reference isolates, and in isolates (n=67) collected in Oklahoma from 2014 to 2017. Melting analysis of PCR products from the central primers (493 bp) and from new upstream external primers (105 bp) produced melting profiles that differed among avirulent (AvrLm4-AvrLm7 (A4A7)) and virulent (avrLm4-AvrLm7 (a4A7) and (avrLm4-avrLm7 (a4a7)) pathogen genotypes. Genotypic classification by melting analysis was supported by pathogenicity scores on seedling cotyledons of susceptible, Rlm4, and Rlm7 differentials. All of the local isolates were a4A7 genotypes. In the sequences of a4A7 reference isolates, all showed the expected mutation at bp 358 of C to G resulting in virulence on Rlm4, and silent mutations of either C to T at bp 256 or A to G at bp 134. These two haplotypes displayed unique melting profiles from the central primers in 64% and 36% of local isolates, respectively. Only the central primers produced pathotype-specific melting curves. Sustainable deployment of Rlm7 canola is needed for effective management of blackleg in the region. High-resolution melting will be useful to monitor allelic variability in AvrLm4-7 and for rapid detection of a4a7 strains.

Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for rapid, accurate, and specific detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients.

Blastocystis spp. is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites with worldwide distribution. Various diagnostic methods with different sensitivities and specificities have been used to detect Blastocystis in clinical samples. The present study aims to develop and evaluate a LAMP assay to detect Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients for the first time. In this cross-sectional study, 98 AIDS patients with an average CD4 + T lymphocyte count lower than 150 cells/mm3 participated in the study. The presence of Blastocystis spp. in the stool samples of AIDS patients was examined by parasitology (direct wet mount and concentration assays) and molecular (PCR and LAMP) methods. The 18 SSU rRNA genomic target was used to design the specific primers for the PCR and LAMP assays. The specificity of designed primers for the LAMP assay was evaluated using the sequencing of a conventional PCR product by the external LAMP primers. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software and chi-square test and Fischer's exact tests were used and Cohen's Kappa calculates the agreement of the molecular tests. Associations were tested using odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustments. Out of 98 stool samples from patients with AIDS, 9 (9.18%), 13 (13.26%), and 15 (15.30%) samples were detected positive for Blastocystis spp. by parasitology, PCR, and LAMP techniques, respectively. PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing of the product sequences revealed that the obtained partial sequences were identical to the corresponding 18 SSU rRNA sequences reported in GenBank. The higher positivity rate for Blastocystis spp. among studied AIDS patients by LAMP technique compared to other diagnostic methods showed the higher potential and effectiveness of this relatively new described molecular assay for the detection of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients. The accurate and rapid detection of emerging intestinal protozoa such as Blastocystis is of clinical importance for better prevention and timely treatment of the disease, especially in immunocompromised patients. The results obtained for the first time showed that the sensitivity and accuracy of the LAMP technique in the diagnosis of Blastocystis spp. in AIDS patients is very high.

Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay with High Sensitivity to Rapid Detection of Viable Salmonella in Foods

Background: Salmonella is one of the main foodborne bacterial pathogens, causing diseases and death. The study used reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to detect Salmonella. Objectives: To design six primers and detect Salmonella using RT-LAMP to facilitate the rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in food. Methods: We designed six primers based on the gene coding sequences of inv A, specific to Salmonella. Each reaction solution contained 6.0 mM MgSO4, 1 M betaine, 1.6 mM dNTPs, 160 U/mL Bst DNA polymerase, 0.2 μM of both external primers, 0.8 μM of both internal primers, and 0.2 μM of both loop primers. The reaction temperature was 65°C. Results: Our amplified products were separated by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The detection limit was 10 CFU per reaction. Conclusions: RT-LAMP exhibited the same accuracy as the Chinese National Standard assay (GB 4789.30-2016) assay in detecting Salmonella in foods. RT-LAMP was highly specific and sensitive; hence, it may serve as an effective tool in detecting Salmonella.

Detection and Control of Fusarium oxysporum from Soft Rot in Dendrobium officinale by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays.

Simple SummaryIn this study, we investigated the soft rot disease of Dendrobium officinale in Guizhou Province, and designed a rapid method to detect the pathogen is Fusarium oxysporum in Dendrobium officinale by using specific gene sequences and loop-mediated isothermal amplification technology. This method can accurately detect Fusarium oxysporum on soft rot plants of Dendrobium officinale. Therefore, the results of this study are crucial for the early diagnosis of soft rot on Dendrobium officinale.Soft rot causing Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most destructive diseases of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo in China that reduces D. officinale yield and quality. A key challenge for an integrated management strategy for this disease is the rapid and accurate detection of F. oxysporum on D. officinale. Therefore, a new loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for this purpose. In this study, the primers were selected and designed using the translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α) gene region as the target DNA sequence in order to screen the best system of reaction of LAMP to detect F. oxysporum through optimizing different conditions of the LAMP reaction, including time, temperature, concentrations of MgSO4, and concentrations of inner and outer primers. The optimized system was able to efficiently amplify the target gene at 62 °C for 60 min with 1.2 μM internal primers, 0.4 μM external primers, 7 mM Mg2+, and 5 fg/µL minimum detection concentration of DNA for F. oxysporum. The amplified products could be detected with the naked eye after completion of the reaction with SYBR green I. We were better able to control the effect of soft rot in D. officinale using fungicides following a positive test result. Additionally, the control effect of synergism combinations against soft rot was higher than 75%. Thus, LAMP assays could detect F. oxysporum in infected tissues of D. officinale and soils in field, allowing for early diagnosis of the disease.

DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF YELLOW MOSAIC STUNT DISEASE ON Petunia sp. USING NESTED PCR METHOD

Yellow mosaic stunt disease was found at some nurseries of Petunia in Sleman, Yogyakarta, also in Muntilan and Magelang Central Java. The disease was very important due to its ability reducing the quality and quantity of Petunia seedlings. The causal agent of the disease may be carried over to imported seeds and necessary to identify as a basic information for developing control strategies. This research was done by mechanical transmission on indicator plants. The observation of the causal agents was conducted using electron microscope with quick dipping method and the molecular detection was done using nested PCR with TobRT up1-TobRT do2 as the external primers and TobN up3-TobN do4 as the internal primers. Mechanical inoculation showed chlorosis symptoms that developed into local spot on Chenopodium amaranticolor as well as mosaic and vein banding on Nicotiana benthamiana. The observation using electron microscope showed rod-shaped virus particles sized approximately 300 nm and by PCR method produced around 568 bp and 400 bp DNA band. Based on the sequence analysis, the disease was caused by Rehmania mosaic virus. This type of Tobamovirus has 96% similarity with ReMV-Japan. ReMV, a plant pathogen which was a member of Tobamovirus that has never been reported in Indonesia. This research was the first report of ReMV in Indonesia infecting Petunia as ornamental plant.

DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF YELLOW MOSAIC STUNT DISEASE ON Petunia sp. USING NESTED PCR METHOD

Detection and identification of yellow mosaic stunt disease on Petunia sp. using nested PCR method. Yellow mosaic stuntdisease was found at some nurseries of Petunia in Sleman, Yogyakarta, also in Muntilan and Magelang Central Java. Thedisease was very important due to its ability reducing the quality and quantity of Petunia seedlings. The causal agent of thedisease may be carried over to imported seeds and necessary to identify as a basic information for developing controlstrategies. This research was done by mechanical transmission on indicator plants. The observation of the causal agents wasconducted using electron microscope with quick dipping method and the molecular detection was done using nested PCRwith TobRT up1-TobRT do2 as the external primers and TobN up3-TobN do4 as the internal primers. Mechanical inoculationshowed chlorosis symptoms that developed into local spot on Chenopodium amaranticolor as well as mosaic and veinbanding on Nicotiana benthamiana. The observation using electron microscope showed rod-shaped virus particles sizedapproximately 300 nm and by PCR method produced around 568 bp and 400 bp DNA band. Based on the sequence analysis,the disease was caused by Rehmania mosaic virus. This type of Tobamovirus has 96% similarity with ReMV-Japan. ReMV, aplant pathogen which was a member of Tobamovirus that has never been reported in Indonesia. This research was the firstreport of ReMV in Indonesia infecting Petunia as ornamental plant.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the identification of the invasive wood borer Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from frass

The red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is native to east Asia, where it is a major pest of cultivated and ornamental species of the genus Prunus. Morphological or molecular discrimination of adults or larval specimens is required to identify this invasive wood borer. However, recovering larval stages of the pest from trunks and branches causes extensive damage to plants and is timewasting. An alternative approach consists in applying non-invasive molecular diagnostic tools to biological traces (i.e., fecal pellets, frass). In this way, infestations in host plants can be detected without destructive methods. This paper presents a protocol based on both real-time and visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), using DNA of A. bungii extracted from fecal particles in larval frass. Laboratory validations demonstrated the robustness of the protocols adopted and their reliability was confirmed performing an inter-lab blind panel. The LAMP assay and the qPCR SYBR Green method using the F3/B3 LAMP external primers were equally sensitive, and both were more sensitive than the conventional PCR (sensitivity > 103 to the same starting matrix). The visual LAMP protocol, due to the relatively easy performance of the method, could be a useful tool to apply in rapid monitoring of A. bungii and in the management of its outbreaks.

SMEs’ Survival Apprehension from the University Students’ Perspectives in China

China registered more than 34 million SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in 2018; unfortunately, a great proportion of them (50%) vanishes in 3 years. We explored perceived causes and contours of SMEs insolvency from the Chinese students’ perspectives. Using multiple institutional logic, we aimed to identify internal and external primers of students’ judgement about Chinese SMEs insolvency. After interviewing 680 participants over several years, we coded the textual data in three steps: axial coding of the meaning-making unit, thematic coding to integrate sub-unities into 29 categories, and theoretical coding in the extant literature on the SMEs’ insolvency. Our findings divide the responses into two streams: internal versus external factors, and technical versus normative logic. Our study contributes to the literature in three ways. First, we identified primers of attention to the insolvency of SMEs in China. Second, we introduced sixteen potential variables for survey research. Third, the perceived causes of insolvency of SMEs in China highlights the students’ apprehension about entrepreneurship and career development in SMEs. We discuss implications for research and practice in the broader world.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in planta

Tomato bacterial speck, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), is one of the most devastating bacterial diseases in tomato worldwide. To establish a rapid amplification system for the detection of Pst, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, which includes two external primers (F3/B3), two internal primers (FIP/BIP) and one backward loop primer (B-Loop), was designed based on the hrpZ gene. The specificity of the LAMP primer set was widely validated on Pst and non-target strains. The conditions for LAMP detection of Pst were optimized to complete in 60 min at 63 °C. The amplification was confirmed through gel electrophoresis or visual inspection using calcein. In the sensitivity test, the detection limit of the LAMP assay was 1.61 × 10 fg μL−1 for genomic DNA and 1.05 × 103 CFU mL−1 for bacterial suspension without DNA extraction. The novel method was also applied for the detection of Pst in artificially and naturally infected tomato leaf and stem tissue samples, and even the early onset of disease could be detected by the assay. This method can rapidly detect Pst-infected tissues without strain enrichment and complex DNA extraction, and hence, it is suitable for quarantine and field detection.

Rapid strand replacement primer thermostat visual sensor based on Bst DNA polymerase and pyrophosphatase for detecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major hidden danger of food safety. To develop a rapid, sensitive and on-site detecting method of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), a strand replacement primer thermostat phosphate (SRPP) visual sensor was proposed, based on Bst DNA polymerase and pyrophosphatase. The novel strand replacement primer (SRP) facilitates chain substitution and to open a self-folding hairpin by adding region at its 3′ end. Under the action of the SRP, a pair of external primers and two inner primers, target DNA is specifically amplified at 63 °C relies mainly on the hairpin. Many pyrophosphates (PPi) are simultaneously generated as by-products, which can be converted into phosphates (Pi) by pyrophosphatase for phosphomolybdate blue visual detection within 5 min. The proposed biosensor can detect 1.29 × 103 copies of V. parahaemolyticus within 35 min.

A simple and low cost tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method for detection triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus.

The mutation at codon L98 accompanied by a tandem repeat of 34 base pairs (TR34/L98H) in the 5´upstream region of cyp51A is the principal mechanism of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus. We aimed to evaluate a simple and low-cost tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR technique for detection of TR34/L98H mutations in the cyp51A gene of azole-resistant A. fumigatus. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay optimized by four primers in one reaction consists of external primers for detection of tandem repeats in the promoter region and internal primers for detection of a point mutation in codon 98 (L98H) in the cyp51A gene of azole-resistant A. fumigatus. The specificity of TR34/L98H mutation detection was assessed by testing 36 clinical and environmental A. fumigatus strains. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay from A. fumigatus, containing wild-type sequence (T allele) and L98H mutation at cyp51A (A allele), yielded two DNA fragments of 908bp and 740bp and two of 942bp and 212bp, respectively. None of the A. fumigatus isolates without the TR34/L98H mutation yielded false-positive results. The ARMS-PCR assay was 100% concordant with DNA sequencing results. Prevalence and screening of the TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene in A. fumigatus isolates may now be determined by a fast, low-cost, and simple method in resource-poor settings.