Fluorescence Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Research Articles

Simultaneous differential detection of H5, H7 and H9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses by a triplex fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.

H5, H7, and H9 are pivotal avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes that cause substantial economic losses and pose potential threats to public health worldwide. In this study, a novel triplex fluorescence reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TLAMP) assay was developed in which traditional LAMP techniques were combined with probes for detection. Through this innovative approach, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes of AIV can be simultaneously identified and differentiated, thereby offering crucial technical support for prevention and control efforts. Three primer sets and composite probes were designed based on conserved regions of the haemagglutinin gene for each subtype. The probes were labelled with distinct fluorophores at their 3' ends, which were detached to release the fluorescence signal during the amplification process. The detection results were interpreted based on the colour of the TLAMP products. Then, the reaction conditions were optimized, and three primer sets and probes were combined in the same reaction system, resulting in a TLAMP detection assay for the differential diagnosis of AIV subtypes. Sensitivity testing with in vitro-transcribed RNA revealed that the detection limit of the TLAMP assay was 205 copies per reaction for H5, 360 copies for H7, and 545 copies for H9. The TLAMP assay demonstrated excellent specificity, no cross-reactivity with related avian viruses, and 100% consistency with a previously published quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Therefore, due to its simplicity, rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity, this TLAMP assay is suitable for epidemiological investigations and is a valuable tool for detecting and distinguishing H5, H7, and H9 subtypes of AIV in clinical samples.

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on cyp141 via real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cyp141-RealAmp).

The rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is essential for controlling tuberculosis. Methods We designed a portable thermocycler-based real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (cyp141-RealAmp) using six oligonucleotide primers derived from cyp141 to detect MTB. A combined number of 213 sputum samples (169 obtained from clinically diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB and 44 from a control group without tuberculosis) underwent Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assays, and cyp141-RealAmp assay. By targeting MTB cyp141, this technique could detect as low as 10 copies/reaction within 30min, and it was successfully rejected by other mycobacteria and other bacterial species tested. Of the 169 patients, there was no statistical difference between the detection rate of cyp141-RealAmp (92.90%, 95% CI: 89.03-96.07) and that of Xpert MTB/RIF (94.67%, 95% CI: 91.28-98.06) (P > 0.05), but both were statistically higher than that of culture (65.68%, 95% CI: 58.52-72.84) (P< 0.05) and AFB (57.40%, 95% CI: 49.94-64.86) (P< 0.05). Both cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF had a specificity of 100%. Furthermore, a high concordance between cyp141-RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was found (Kappa = 0.89). The cyp141-RealAmp assay was shown to be effective, responsive, and accurate in this study. This method offers a prospective strategy for the speedy and precise detection of MTB.

Evaluation of the real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is commonly present in human reproductive tract, which frequently leads to genital tract infection. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a rapid detection method for UU. In our study, a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for the detection of UU. Two primers were specifically designed based on the highly conserved regions of ureaseB genes. The reaction was carried out for 60 min in a constant temperature system using Bst DNA polymerase, and the process was monitored by real-time fluorescence signal, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed simultaneously. In real-time fluorescence LAMP reaction system, positive result was only obtained for UU among 9 bacterial strains, with detection sensitivity of 42 pg/μL (4.2 × 105 CFU/mL), and all 16 clinical samples of UU could be detected. In conclusion, real-time fluorescence LAMP is a simple, sensitive, specific and effective method compared with conventional PCR, which shows great promise in the rapid detection of UU.

Using real time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid species authentication of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Fish species mislabeling and substitution in the commercial market have been widely reported around the world and the consequences related to financial loss, health concern and even marine depletion have been revealed. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) represents one of the most appreciated salmonid species and is also deep in the scandal of species mislabeling. To help prevent this episode, the present study aimed to develop a real time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene for rapid detection of S. salar in processed fish products. Results found that using the novel assay, as little as 5 pg of S. salar DNA could be detected, without any cross-reactivity with non-target species. Moreover, the real time fluorescence LAMP assay was successfully applied to commercially San Wen Yu products, and the presence of S. salar was revealed in only six products (6/30, 20 %). Therefore, the novel approach has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the detection of S salar and can be used to screen S. salar in commercial fish products.

Fusarium wilt: a threat to banana cultivation and its management.

Abstract Banana is affected by a wide number of diseases, of which, Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense ( Foc ) race 1 has played a major role in devastating Gros Michel banana plantations. Since 1960s, the pathogen Foc race 4 has threatened the survival and existence of the Cavendish group of bananas, which has necessitated detailed study on Fusarium wilt, the causal organism Foc , its biology, dispersal, pathogenicity, diversity and detection at a molecular level (especially in soils) and its management. The recently developed technique of transferring the gene encoding green fluorescent protein into Foc has assisted in visualizing and analysing the colonization and infection of banana plants by the pathogen. Studies on the pathogenicity secreted in xylem genes have helped in rapid detection of the pathogen in planta and techniques such as real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay have facilitated rapid and direct quantitative detection of Foc in soil. Several management practices, especially resistant varieties/transgenics and biological control methods are available for the effective management of this deadly disease. Strict quarantine procedures and reduction of Foc inoculum are the methods undertaken to limit the spread of the disease to other un-infected regions. This review summarizes the recent developments of Fusarium wilt in banana and its management.

Real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus associated with colorectal cancer.

The increasing threat of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG) infections has gained considerable attention for its strong association with colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we proposed real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a novel, simple, rapid, and highly sensitive assay for identifying SGG for the first time. This assay was capable of detecting SGG with initial DNA concentrations ranging from 102 to 108 copies per microliter, under isothermal conditions within 30min via real-time fluorescence monitoring. Our method was tested for specific identification of SGG strains without cross-reaction with other Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies and Escherichia coli. The developed LAMP shows a superior performance with shorter time and higher sensitivity compared with conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significantly, this proposed approach was successfully applied for detecting SGG in clinical urine samples, which is non-invasive diagnosis, showing excellent accuracy and reliability to discriminate healthy controls and CRC patients. For comparison, these samples were also tested against PCR assay. These results yielded an analytical sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% for SGG testing using LAMP. The findings suggest LAMP can be employed for detecting SGG infections which is useful for diagnosis and screening of CRC.

Evaluation of the real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major pathogenic bacterium causing perinatal infections in humans. In the present study, a novel real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification technology was successfully developed and evaluated for the detection of S. agalactiae in a single reaction. Six specific primers were designed to amplify the corresponding six regions of fbs B gene of S. agalactiae, using Bst DNA polymerase with DNA strand displacement activity at a constant temperature for 60 min. The presence of S. agalactiae was indicated by the fluorescence in real-time. Amplification of the targeted gene fragment was optimized with the primer 1 in the current setup. Positive result was only obtained for Sa by Real-LAMP among 10 tested relevant bacterial strains, with the detection sensitivity of 300 pg/µl. Real-LAMP was demonstrated to be a simple and rapid detection tool for S. agalactiae with high specificity and stability, which ensures its wide application and broad prospective utilization in clinical practice for the rapid detection of S. agalactiae.

Real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for direct detection of egg drop syndrome virus

BackgroundEgg drop syndrome (EDS), caused by the adenovirus “egg drop syndrome virus” (EDSV) causes severe economic losses through reduced egg production in breeder and layer flocks. The diagnosis of EDSV has been done by molecular tools since its complete genome sequence was identified. In order to enhance the capabilities of the real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay, we aimed to apply the method for direct detection of the EDSV without viral DNA extraction. In order to detect the presence of the EDSV DNA, three pairs of primers were designed, from the conserved region of fiber gene of the EDSV.ResultsFor our assay, test and control samples were directly used in the reaction mixture in 10-fold serial dilution. The target DNA was amplified at 65 °C, which yield positive results in a relatively short period of 40–45 min. The method reported in this study is highly sensitive as compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and showed no sign of cross-reactivity or false positive results. The RealAmp accomplished specific identification of EDSV among a variety of poultry disease viruses.ConclusionsThe direct RealAmp can be used to detect the presence of EDSV. As our result showed, the RealAmp method could be suitable for the direct detection of other DNA viruses.

Development of a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and quantitative detection of Ustilago maydis

The common smut of corn, caused by Ustilago maydis is a troublesome disease of maize. Early and accurate detection of U. maydis is essential for the disease management. In this study, primer set Pep-2 was selected for LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) from 12 sets of primers targeting three U. maydis effector genes See1, Pit2 and Pep1 according to primer screening. The optimal concentrations of Bst DNA polymerase and Mg2+ as well as inner/outer primer ratio of the LAMP reaction system were screened by combining a single factor experiment and an orthogonal design arrangement. The specificity of this real-time LAMP (RealAmp) assay was confirmed by negative testing for other pathogens. The detection sensitivity of the RealAmp assay was 200 times higher than that of detection through conventional PCR. Results of the RealAmp assay for quantifying the genomic DNA of U. maydis were confirmed by testing with both artificially and naturally infected samples. In addition, the RealAmp reaction could be conducted via an improved tube scanner to implement a “electricity free” assay from template preparation to quantitative detection. The resulting assay could be more convenient for use in the field as a simple, rapid, and effective technique for monitoring U. maydis.

Rapid and quantitative detection of Pythium inflatum by real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay

Pythium inflatum is the causal agent of Pythium maize stalk rot, which is one of the most devastating diseases of maize (Zea mays L.). P. inflatum is currently a major concern in global maize production. To the best of our knowledge, no effective resistance to P. inflatum is known in maize, and no effective measures have been reported for the control of this pathogen once maize plants have been infected. Early and accurate detection of P. inflatum is essential to guide maize planting and to protect maize production. A real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) assay was developed for the rapid quantitative detection of P. inflatum in soil. The detection limit of the RealAmp assay was approximately 0.1 pg/μl plasmid DNA when mixed with extracted soil DNA or 103 spores/g of artificially infested soil. No cross-reactions with other related pathogens were observed. Results of the RealAmp assay for quantifying the genomic DNA of P. inflatum were confirmed by testing with artificially and naturally infested samples. The quantification of the soil-borne pathogen DNA of P. inflatum in naturally infested samples was not significantly different compared with classic real-time PCR (P < 0.05). Additionally, the RealAmp assay could be detected via an improved closed-tube visual detection system by adding SYBR Green I fluorescent dye to the inside of the lid prior to amplification. Consequently, the inhibitory effects of the stain on DNA amplification were avoided. Therefore, the assay could be used more conveniently in the field as a simple, rapid, and effective technique and has the potential to become an alternative tool for detecting and monitoring P. inflatum in the field.

Real-time fluorescence Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for rapid and reliable diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

A reliable, simple and rapid diagnostic method that can be helpful in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis is urgently needed. Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) allows DNA to be amplified rapidly at a constant temperature. In this study, real-time fluorescence LAMP was evaluated to rapidly detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum and was compared to the performance of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Q-PCR). All the standard MTB strains were successfully detected and limit of detection (LOD) was 102CFU/mL by real-time fluorescence LAMP within 20min. In light of MTB in sputum, the real-time fluorescence LAMP method yielded a sensitivity of 98.0% and a specificity of 78.3%, compared to Q-PCR assay, which yielded a sensitivity of 96.0% and a specificity of 82.6% for PTB diagnosis. There was an excellent overall agreement between LAMP and Q-PCR for PTB (κ=0.315) and non-PTB (κ=0.862). Therefore, the real-time fluorescence LAMP assay is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method to detect pulmonary tuberculosis.

Evaluation of real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RealAmp) for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) leads to serious health problems as a chronic respiratory infectious disease. Here we established a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RealAmp) using a portable ESE Quant tube scanner as a convenient rapid detection method for MTB. The method efficacy from sputum samples was further investigated, and the reaction time was only 20min with the detection limit low to 102CFU/ml concentration of MTB. We assessed a total of 1067 samples by the RealAmp assay, comparing the results with smear microscopy and conventional culture methods. To examine whether the failure to detect TB by culturing is due to low sensitivity or true absence, we examined the culture negative samples by commercial real time PCR MTB detection kit, and the results were compared with RealAmp. The data showed that RealAmp assay had a higher positive rate than that of sputum smear and culture methods. RealAmp had a sensitivity of 96.70% and a specificity of 91.55% when compared with culture. In addition, its sensitivity and specificity were 95.29% and 86.88% respectively compared with examination of smear samples using light microscopy. The sensitivity of RealAmp in comparison to real time PCR was 98.25% and specificity was 99.11% in validation of culture negative samples.The present study revealed the newly established RealAmp assay as a convenient, efficient, sensitive and specific method that could be an alternative for rapid detection of MTB and a tool to validate culture and smear negative samples. Furthermore, the portability of the ESE Quant tube scanner also contributed to the promising application for grassroots and field detection of MTB.

Field evaluation of a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay, RealAmp, for the diagnosis of malaria in Thailand and India.

To eliminate malaria, surveillance for submicroscopic infections is needed. Molecular methods can detect submicroscopic infections but have not hitherto been amenable to implementation in surveillance programs. A portable loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay called RealAmp was assessed in 2 areas of low malaria transmission. RealAmp was evaluated in 141 patients from health clinics in India (passive surveillance) and in 127 asymptomatic persons in Thailand (active surveillance). The diagnostic validity, precision, and predictive value of RealAmp were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference method. A pilot study of RealAmp was also performed on samples from patients presenting at a Thai health center. A total of 96 and 7 positive cases were detected in India and Thailand, respectively, via PCR. In comparison with nested PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of RealAmp in India were 94.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.3%-98.3%) and 100% (95% CI, 92.1%-100%), respectively, with correct identification of all 5 Plasmodium vivax cases. In Thailand, compared with pooled real-time PCR, RealAmp demonstrated 100% sensitivity (95% CI, 59.0%-100%) and 96.7% specificity (95% CI, 91.7%-99.1%). Testing at the health center demonstrated RealAmp's potential to serve as a point-of-care test with results available in 30-75 minutes. RealAmp was comparable to PCR in detecting malaria parasites and shows promise as a tool to detect submicroscopic infections in malaria control and elimination programs worldwide.

Development of a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and quantitative detection of Fusarium mangiferae associated with mango malformation

Fusarium mangiferae is a major causal agent of mango malformation disease (MMD) worldwide. Rapid and accurate detection of the causal pathogen is the cornerstone of integrated disease management. In this paper, a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RealAmp) was developed for quantitative detection of F. mangiferae in China. The LAMP primer set was designed based on a RAPD marker sequence and positive products were amplified only from F. mangiferae isolates, but not from any other species tested, showing a high specificity of the primer sets. The detection limit was approximately 2.26 × 10−4 ng/μl plasmid DNA when mixed with extracted mango DNA. Quantification of the pathogen DNA of MMD in naturally collected samples was no significant difference compared to classic real-time PCR Additionally, RealAmp assay was visual with an improved closed-tube visual detection system making the assay more convenient in diagnostics.

Correction: Development of a Real-Time Fluorescence Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Rapid and Quantitative Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 In Soil

Multiple funding organizations and grants were incorrectly omitted from the Funding Statement. Funding Statement should read: The work was supported by the Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System (Project No. CARS-32-04), Keystone Science and Technology Plan of Hainan Province (ZDXM20130044), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31301628) and the Central Nonprofit Scientific Research Institutes for Basic Scientific Research Special Fund (1630042013021). funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Development of a real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and quantitative detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in soil.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the causal agent of Fusarium wilt (Panama disease), is one of the most devastating diseases of banana (Musa spp.). The Foc tropical race 4 (TR4) is currently known as a major concern in global banana production. No effective resistance is known in Musa to Foc, and no effective measures for controlling Foc once banana plants have been infected in place. Early and accurate detection of Foc TR4 is essential to protect banana industry and guide banana planting. A real-time fluorescence loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RealAmp) was developed for the rapid and quantitative detection of Foc TR4 in soil. The detection limit of the RealAmp assay was approximately 0.4 pg/µl plasmid DNA when mixed with extracted soil DNA or 103 spores/g of artificial infested soil, and no cross-reaction with other relative pathogens were observed. The RealAmp assay for quantifying genomic DNA of TR4 was confirmed by testing both artificially and naturally infested samples. Quantification of the soil-borne pathogen DNA of Foc TR4 in naturally infested samples was no significant difference compared to classic real-time PCR (P>0.05). Additionally, RealAmp assay was visual with an improved closed-tube visual detection system by adding SYBR Green I fluorescent dye to the inside of the lid prior to amplification, which avoided the inhibitory effects of the stain on DNA amplification and makes the assay more convenient in the field and could thus become a simple, rapid and effective technique that has potential as an alternative tool for the detection and monitoring of Foc TR4 in field, which would be a routine DNA-based testing service for the soil-borne pathogen in South China.