Isothermal DNA Amplification Method Research Articles

Smartphone-readable RPA-LFA for the high-sensitivity detection of Leishmania kDNA using nanophosphor reporters.

Early diagnosis of infectious diseases improves outcomes by enabling earlier delivery of effective treatment, and helps prevent further transmission by undiagnosed persons. We demonstrated a proof-of-concept assay combining isothermal amplification and lateral flow assay (LFA) for early diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-borne infectious disease that affects ca. 700,000 to 1.2 million people annually. Conventional molecular diagnostic techniques based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) require complex apparatus for temperature cycling. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal DNA amplification method that has shown promise for use in low-resource settings. Combined with lateral flow assay as the readout, RPA-LFA can be used as a point-of-care diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity, but reagent costs can be problematic. In this work, we developed a highly-sensitive smartphone-based RPA-LFA for the detection of Leishmania panamensis DNA using blue-emitting [(Sr0.625Ba0.375)1.96Eu0.01Dy0.03]MgSi2O7 (SBMSO) persistent luminescent nanophosphors as LFA reporters. The greater detectability of nanophosphors allows the use of a reduced volume of RPA reagents, potentially reducing the cost of RPA-LFA. The limit of detection (LOD) of RPA with gold nanoparticle-based LFA readout is estimated at 1 parasite per reaction, but LOD can be 100-fold better, 0.01 parasites per reaction, for LFA based on SBMSO. This approach may be useful for sensitive and cost-effective point-of-care diagnosis and contribute to improved clinical and economic outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.

LT-RPA: An Isothermal DNA Amplification Approach for Improved Microsatellite Genotyping and Microsatellite Instability Detection.

Microsatellites are short tandem repeats of one to six nucleotides that are highly polymorphic and extensively used as genetic markers in numerous biomedical applications, including the detection of microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer. The standard analytical method for microsatellite analysis relies on PCR amplification followed by capillary electrophoresis or, more recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, their amplification during PCR generates undesirable frameshift products known as stutter peaks caused by polymerase slippage, complicating data analysis and interpretation, while very few alternative methods for microsatellite amplification have been developed to reduce the formation of these artifacts. In this context, the recently developed low-temperature recombinase polymerase amplification (LT-RPA) is an isothermal DNA amplification method at low temperature (32°C) that drastically reduces and sometimes completely abolishes the formation of stutter peaks. LT-RPA greatly simplifies the genotyping of microsatellites and improves the detection of MSI in cancer. In this chapter, we describe in detail all the experimental steps necessary for the development of LT-RPA simplex and multiplex assays for microsatellite genotyping and MSI detection, including the design, optimization, and validation of the assays combined with capillary electrophoresis or NGS.

Kinetics of elementary steps in loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) show that strand invasion during initiation is rate-limiting.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has proven to be easier to implement than PCR for point-of-care diagnostic tests. However, the underlying mechanism of LAMP is complicated and the kinetics of the major steps in LAMP have not been fully elucidated, which prevents rational improvements in assay development. Here we present our work to characterize the kinetics of the elementary steps in LAMP and show that: (i) strand invasion / initiation is the rate-limiting step in the LAMP reaction; (ii) the loop primer plays an important role in accelerating the rate of initiation and does not function solely during the exponential amplification phase and (iii) strand displacement synthesis by Bst-LF polymerase is relatively fast (125 nt/s) and processive on both linear and hairpin templates, although with some interruptions on high GC content templates. Building on these data, we were able to develop a kinetic model that relates the individual kinetic experiments to the bulk LAMP reaction. The assays developed here provide important insights into the mechanism of LAMP, and the overall model should be crucial in engineering more sensitive and faster LAMP reactions. The kinetic methods we employ should likely prove useful with other isothermal DNA amplification methods.

Noise-reduced nicking enzyme-based isothermal amplification via blocking the 3′-end of the amplicon using a novel fluorophore-immobilized binder

Nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR) is a promising isothermal DNA amplification method that has been applied in various sensing platforms as a promising signal amplifier. Although NEAR offers useful features for isothermal amplification, the risk of non-specific amplification imposes constraints on its potential usability. Here, we suggest a novel method to reduce the noise of NEAR, enabled by providing a specific binder to the 3′-end of amplicons as a reaction element, named Stabilizer. Stabilizer was designed to prevent undesirable interactions among the accumulated amplicons, thereby eliminating non-specific amplification caused by mis-annealing. Normal sequence Stabilizer without any modification (STB.N) was not effective in reducing the noise of NEAR. We employed a thermodynamic property of fluorophore-labeling that strengthens its annealing toward a complementary strand. We found that Stabilizer with a fluorophore at the 5′-end (F-STB) significantly reduces the noise level compared to cases of STB.N and Stabilizer-free. The NEAR with enhanced specificity would increase performance and enable applications in need of accuracy.

Biosensors Based on Isothermal DNA Amplification for Bacterial Detection in Food Safety and Environmental Monitoring.

The easy and rapid spread of bacterial contamination and the risk it poses to human health makes evident the need for analytical methods alternative to conventional time-consuming laboratory-based techniques for bacterial detection. To tackle this demand, biosensors based on isothermal DNA amplification methods have emerged, which avoid the need for thermal cycling, thus facilitating their integration into small and low-cost devices for in situ monitoring. This review focuses on the breakthroughs made on biosensors based on isothermal amplification methods for the detection of bacteria in the field of food safety and environmental monitoring. Optical and electrochemical biosensors based on loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), rolling circle amplification (RCA), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), helicase dependent amplification (HDA), strand displacement amplification (SDA), and isothermal strand displacement polymerisation (ISDPR) are described, and an overview of their current advantages and limitations is provided. Although further efforts are required to harness the potential of these emerging analytical techniques, the coalescence of the different isothermal amplification techniques with the wide variety of biosensing detection strategies provides multiple possibilities for the efficient detection of bacteria far beyond the laboratory bench.

Electrochemical Detection of Genomic DNA Utilizing Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Stem-Loop Probe.

Nucleic acid tests integrated into digital point-of-care (POC) diagnostic systems have great potential for the future of health care. However, current methods of DNA amplification and detection require bulky and expensive equipment, many steps, and long process times, which complicate their integration into POC devices. We have combined an isothermal DNA amplification method, recombinase polymerase amplification, with an electrochemical stem-loop (S-L) probe DNA detection technique. By combining these methods, we have created a system that is able to specifically amplify and detect as few as 10 copies/μL Staphylococcus epidermidis DNA with a total time to result of 70−75 min.

Applying a Linear Amplification Strategy to Recombinase Polymerase Amplification for Uniform DNA Library Amplification.

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal DNA amplification method with broad applications as a point-of-care test and in molecular biology techniques. Currently, most of the applications are focused on target-specific amplification. Because RPA has the advantage of amplifying DNA under isothermal conditions, we utilized RPA as a DNA library amplification tool. In this study, we used a sheared genomic DNA library and an oligonucleotide (oligo) library for the comparison of polymerase chain reaction and RPA. For the sheared DNA library, we observed biased amplification after RPA was conducted. Thus, to amplify the size-variable DNA library uniformly, we introduced a linear amplification strategy with RPA and successfully improved the uniformity. On the other hand, using the same-sized oligo library, we confirmed that RPA amplified this library uniformly without modification of the protocol. These results demonstrate that RPA can be applied not only to amplify a specific target as previously demonstrated but also to amplify a complex DNA library composed of a large number of different DNA molecules.

A mathematical model for a biphasic DNA amplification reaction.

Isothermal DNA amplification reactions are a prevalent tool with many applications, ranging from analyte detection to DNA circuits. Exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) is a popular isothermal DNA amplification method that exponentially amplifies short DNA oligonucleotides. A recent modification of this technique using an energetically stable looped template with palindromic binding regions demonstrated unexpected biphasic amplification and much higher DNA yield than EXPAR. This ultrasensitive DNA amplification reaction (UDAR) shows high-gain, switch-like DNA output from low concentrations of DNA input. Here we present the first mathematical model of UDAR based on four reaction mechanisms and show the model can reproduce the experimentally observed biphasic behaviour. Furthermore, we show that three of these mechanisms are necessary to reproduce biphasic experimental results. The reaction mechanisms are (i) positively cooperative multistep binding spurred by two trigger binding sites on the template; (ii) gradual template deactivation; (iii) recycling of deactivated templates into active templates; and (iv) polymerase sequestration. These mechanisms can potentially illuminate the behaviour of EXPAR as well as other nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Detection of ser450leu mutation in rpoB gene of mycobacterium tuberculosis by allele-specific loop-mediated isothermal dna amplification method

Для выявления генетических мутаций широко используют достаточно трудоемкий и дорогостоящий метод полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР). Целью работы было оценить возможность применения двух схем метода аллель-специфичной изотермической петлевой амплификации (loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP) для выявления мутации TCG/TTG (S450L) в гене rpoB Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Использовали 48 клинических изолятов M. tuberculosis и 11 образцов мокроты, выбранных случайным образом и полученных в микробиологической лаборатории г. Новосибирска от пациентов с впервые выявленным заболеванием. Показано, что применение схемы анализа с использованием аллель-специфичного праймера FIP по сравнению с F3 имеет лучшую разрешающую способность: разница между временем амплификации мутации и аллеля дикого типа составила 22 ± 2,4 против 13 ± 4,1 мин (p = 0,0011). При использовании 100 геном-эквивалентов ДНК истинно положительный сигнал (амплификация гена rpoB с мутацией при использовании соответствующего аллель-специфического праймера) детектировался после 29,4 ± 3,4 мин. Положительный сигнал визуализировался после добавления в реакцию SYBR Green I, как при освещении дневным светом, так и при использовании трансиллюминатора с УФ-излучением. С помощью разработанного нами метода была проанализирована выборка ДНК 20 RIFR изолятов M. tuberculosis, несущих мутацию Ser450Leu в гене rpoB, 10 RIFR изолятов, несущих другие мутации в гене rpoB, а также 18 RIFs изолятов без мутаций; наличие мутаций в образцах было определено с помощью классического секвенирования по Сенгеру. Чувствительность и специфичность LAMP для выявления мутации Ser450Leu в гене rpoB составили 100%. Данный подход позволяет использовать в качестве ДНК грубые лизаты микобактерий, что сокращает тотальное время анализа до 1,5 ч.

Detection of Ser450Leu mutation in rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by allele-specific loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification method

To identify genetic mutations a rather time-consuming and expensive method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possibility of using the two schemes of the method of allele-specific isothermal loop amplification (LAMP) to detect the TCG/TTG (S450L) mutation in the rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 48 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis and 11 samples of sputum were used, randomized and obtained in the microbiological laboratory of the city of Novosibirsk from incident patients. It is shown that the use of an analysis scheme using the allele-specific primer FIP compared to F3 has the best resolution: the difference between the amplification time of the mutation and the wild type allele was 22 ± 2,4 versus 13 ± 4,1 minutes (p = 0,0011). When using 100 DNA genomic equivalents a true positive signal (amplification of the rpoB gene with a mutation using the corresponding allele-specific primer) was detected after 29,4 ± 3,4 minutes. A positive signal was visualized after adding SYBR Green I to the reaction, both when illuminated with daylight and when using a UV transilluminator. Using the developed method the DNA sample of 20 RIFR isolates from M. tuberculosis was analyzed containing the Ser450Leu mutation in the rpoB gene, 10 RIFR isolates containing other mutations in the rpoB gene and 18 RIFs isolates without any mutations; the presence of mutations in the samples was determined using classical Sanger sequencing. The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP for detecting a Ser450Leu mutation in the rpoB gene was 100%. This approach allows the use of crude lysates of mycobacteria as DNA, which reduces the total analysis time to 1,5 hour.

Challenges and perspectives in the application of isothermal DNA amplification methods for food and water analysis

Molecular diagnostic tools in the field of food and water quality analysis are becoming increasingly widespread. Usually, based on DNA amplification techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), these methods are highly sensitive and versatile but require well-equipped laboratories and trained personnel. To reduce analysis time and avoid expensive equipment, isothermal DNA amplification methods for detecting various target organisms have been developed. However, to make molecular diagnostics suitable for low-resource settings and in-field applications, it is crucial to continuously adapt the working steps associated with DNA amplification, namely sample preparation, DNA extraction, and visualization of the results. Many novel approaches have been evaluated in recent years to tackle these challenges, e.g., the use of ionic liquids for the rapid isolation of nucleic acids from organisms relevant for food and water analysis or the integration of entire analytical workflows on microfluidic chips. In any event, the future of applications in the field of isothermal amplification will probably lie in ready-to-use cartridges combined with affordable handheld devices for on-site analysis. This trend article aims to make prospective users more familiar with this technology and its potential for moving molecular diagnostics from the laboratory to the field.Graphical abstract

DNAzyme Feedback Amplification: Relaying Molecular Recognition to Exponential DNA Amplification.

Technologies capable of linking DNA amplification to molecular recognition are very desirable for ultrasensitive biosensing applications. We have developed a simple but powerful isothermal DNA amplification method, termed DNAzyme feedback amplification (DFA), that is capable of relaying molecular recognition to exponential DNA amplification. The method incorporates both an RNA-cleaving DNAzyme (RCD) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) carried out by a special DNA polymerase using a circular DNA template. DFA begins with a stimulus-dependent RCA reaction, producing tandemly linked RCDs in long-chain DNA products. These RCDs cleave an RNA-containing DNA sequence to form additional primers that hybridize to the circular DNA molecule, giving rise to DNA assemblies that act as the new inputs for RCA. The RCA reaction and the cleavage event keep on feeding each other autonomously, resulting in exponential growth of repetitive DNA sequences that can be easily detected. This method can be used for the detection of both nucleic acid based targets and non-nucleic acid analytes. In this article, we discuss the conceptual framework of the feedback amplification approach, the essential features of this method as well as remaining challenges and possible solutions.

Automated real-time detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis on a lab-on-a-disc by Recombinase Polymerase Amplification

With the emergence of multi- and extensive-drug (MDR/XDR) resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), tuberculosis (TB) persists as one of the world's leading causes of death. Recently, isothermal DNA amplification methods received much attention due to their ease of translation onto portable point-of-care (POC) devices for TB diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to devise a simple yet robust detection method for M. tb. Amongst the numerous up-and-coming isothermal techniques, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) was chosen for a real-time detection of TB with or without MDR. In our platform, real-time RPA (RT-RPA) was integrated on a lab-on-a-disc (LOAD) with on-board power to maintain temperature for DNA amplification. Sputa collected from healthy volunteers were spiked with respective target M. tb samples for testing. A limit of detection of 102 colony-forming unit per millilitre in 15 min was achieved, making early detection and differentiation of M. tb strains highly feasible in extreme POC settings. Our RT-RPA LOAD platform has also been successfully applied in the differentiation of MDR-TB from H37Ra, an attenuated TB strain. In summary, a quantitative RT-RPA on LOAD assay with a high level of sensitivity was developed as a foundation for further developments in medical bedside and POC diagnostics.

A microfluidic enrichment platform with a recombinase polymerase amplification sensor for pathogen diagnosis

Rapid and sensitive detection of low amounts of pathogen in large samples is needed for early diagnosis and treatment of patients and surveillance of pathogen. In this study, we report a microfluidic platform for detection of low pathogen levels in a large sample volume that couples an Magainin 1 based microfluidic platform for pathogen enrichment and a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) sensor for simultaneous pathogenic DNA amplification and detection in a label-free and real-time manner. Magainin 1 is used as a pathogen enrichment agent with a herringbone microfluidic chip. Using this enrichment platform, the detection limit was found to be 20 times more sensitive in 10 ml urine with Salmonella and 10 times more sensitive in 10 ml urine with Brucella than that of real-time PCR without the enrichment process. Furthermore, the combination system of the enrichment platform and an RPA sensor that based on an isothermal DNA amplification method with rapidity and sensitivity for detection can detect a pathogen at down to 50 CFU in 10 ml urine for Salmonella and 102 CFU in 10 ml urine for Brucella within 60 min. This system will be useful as it has the potential for better diagnosis of pathogens by increasing the capture efficiency of the pathogen in large samples, subsequently enhancing the detection limit of pathogenic DNA.

Development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification methodologies, for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food samples

Listeriosis continues to be a major health issue. This is demonstrated by the fact that, even though efforts have been made, its incidence does not decrease. Furthermore, in Europe, over 2014 a 30% increase was reported respect to 2013. In the present study two isothermal DNA amplification methods, one based on Loop-mediated isothermal AMPlification (qLAMP), and the other on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), were developed and extensively evaluated. Both techniques demonstrated their reliability to detect Listeria monocytogenes in different types of foods. The method included a two-step enrichment, which additionally reduces the chances of detecting dead bacteria. Over the evaluation with pure bacterial DNA, the qLAMP and RPA methods resulted 10 to 100 times less sensitive than qPCR (with two different detection chemistries), but when tested in real food samples the results showed very good concordance with those obtained by qPCR and by selective agar plating (index kappa of concordance between 0.90 and 0.95). Additionally, a very low limit of detection (below 10 CFU/25 g) was obtained. Thus the optimal performance of both isothermal techniques, and their adequacy for their implementation in the food industry, was demonstrated.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification in disposable polyester-toner microdevices

In recent years, isothermal DNA amplification methods have emerged as an alternative in molecular diagnostics due to its ease of operation. The purpose of using isothermal amplification is to simplify the diagnostics work by i) eliminating heating cycles, ii) reducing equipment costs, and iii) providing rapid and accurate results in laboratories with limited resources. Here we show a simple and fast method for E. coli detection in disposable polyester-toner (PeT) microdevice. The amplification by LAMP of the malB gene from E. coli was carried out in a microchamber with 5-μL capacity and the reaction was thermally controlled with a thermoblock at 66 °C for 60 min. The passivation of the surface of PeT channels with BSA improved the efficiency of the LAMP reaction. The detection of amplified LAMP fragments was performed directly on-chip by visual detection and validated with off-chip detection to compare results. Visualization of amplicons directly in the microchip yielded positive reactions as low as 10 double-stranded DNA copies. Separation by gel electrophoresis was able to detect amplicons in reactions that initiated only with one copy of double-stranded DNA. We demonstrate that LAMP in PeT microchip is an important tool for molecular diagnostics at the point-of-care.

Abstract 1761: A rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutation testing in colorectal cancer specimens

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common type of cancers both men and women in worldwide. Fortunately, overall death rates of CRC have been decreasing for the last two decades due to the improvement of screening test assays that detect early-stage cancer and pre-cancerous polyps. Nevertheless, the most common treatment for CRC is surgery, because it may completely eliminate the cancer region. In case of the cancer with systemic metastasis, chemotherapy is required before or after surgery for primary or metastatic lesions. Among the regimens for the chemotherapy, both monoclonal antibodies (Cetuximab and Pantitumumab) against the epidermal growth factor receptor have been shown to improve survival for only patients with lack of RAS mutations. Thus, the KRAS gene mutations (codons 12 and 13) in CRC patients have been extensively studied as a strong negative predictive biomarker to indicate whether a CRC patient responds to the treatment. Therefore, testing the KRAS mutational status of tumor samples is becoming an essential tool for managing patients with CRCs. Although a myriad of nucleic acid testing methods have been developed to analyze the mutation status in the key regions of the KRAS gene of CRC, several obstacles still remain related to low sensitivity, time consuming, and required large instruments including thermal cyclers. Here, we present a novel nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutations (G12D and G13D) testing that enable rapid and accurate detection. This method is based on combination of isothermal DNA amplification method and bio-photonic silicon sensor that can be detected the mutations in a label-free and real-time manner. The proposed method can detect the mutant cell present at 1% in a mixture of wild type cells, while both PCR and sequencing can detect the mutations in a sample containing approximately 30% of mutant cells. We used 60 tissue samples from CRC patients (22 samples with G12D mutations, 23 samples with G13D mutation, and 15 samples with no mutation) to compare the clinical utility of three methods including PCR, Sanger sequencing and the proposed method. The proposed method with both G12D and G13D showed a value of 100% and 100% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. One the other hand, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR (90.5% and 100%) and sequencing (95% and 100%) were lower than that of the proposed method. Therefore, the proposed method was found to be a rapid (< 30 min), highly sensitive and specific method for KRAS mutation testing. We believe that this rapid and accurate method will enable proper treatment for CRC patients. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Yong Shin, Choong Eun Jin, Seung-Seop Yeom, Seok-Byung Lim. A rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutation testing in colorectal cancer specimens [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1761. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1761

Abstract 748: A rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutation testing in colorectal cancer specimens

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common type of cancers both men and women in worldwide. Fortunately, overall death rates of CRC have been decreasing for the last two decades due to the improvement of screening test assays that detect early-stage cancer and pre-cancerous polyps. Nevertheless, the most common treatment for CRC is surgery, because it may completely eliminate the cancer region. In case of the cancer with systemic metastasis, chemotherapy is required before or after surgery for primary or metastatic lesions. Among the regimens for the chemotherapy, both monoclonal antibodies (Cetuximab and Pantitumumab) against the epidermal growth factor receptor have been shown to improve survival for only patients with lack of RAS mutations. Thus, the KRAS gene mutations (codons 12 and 13) in CRC patients have been extensively studied as a strong negative predictive biomarker to indicate whether a CRC patient responds to the treatment. Therefore, testing the KRAS mutational status of tumor samples is becoming an essential tool for managing patients with CRCs. Although a myriad of nucleic acid testing methods have been developed to analyze the mutation status in the key regions of the KRAS gene of CRC, several obstacles still remain related to low sensitivity, time consuming, and required large instruments including thermal cyclers. Here, we present a novel nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutations (G12D and G13D) testing that enable rapid and accurate detection. This method is based on combination of isothermal DNA amplification method and bio-photonic silicon sensor that can be detected the mutations in a label-free and real-time manner. The proposed method can detect the mutant cell present at 1% in a mixture of wild type cells, while both PCR and sequencing can detect the mutations in a sample containing approximately 30% of mutant cells. We used 60 tissue samples from CRC patients (22 samples with G12D mutations, 23 samples with G13D mutation, and 15 samples with no mutation) to compare the clinical utility of three methods including PCR, Sanger sequencing and the proposed method. The proposed method with both G12D and G13D showed a value of 100% and 100% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. One the other hand, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR (90.5% and 100%) and sequencing (95% and 100%) were lower than that of the proposed method. Therefore, the proposed method was found to be a rapid (< 30 min), highly sensitive and specific method for KRAS mutation testing. We believe that this rapid and accurate method will enable proper treatment for CRC patients. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Choong Eun Jin, Seung-Seop Yeom, Yong Shin, Seok-Byung Lim. A rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification and detection method for KRAS mutation testing in colorectal cancer specimens [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 748. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-748

Development of field-applicable tests for rapid and sensitive detection of Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae

Napier grass Stunt Disease (NSD) is a severe disease of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in Eastern Africa, caused by the leafhopper-transmitted bacterium Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae. The pathogen severely impairs the growth of Napier grass, the major fodder for dairy cattle in Eastern Africa. NSD is associated with biomass losses of up to 70% of infected plants.Diagnosis of NSD is done by nested PCR targeting the phytoplasma DNA, which is difficult to perform in developing countries with little infrastructure. We report the development of an easy to use, rapid, sensitive and specific molecular assay for field diagnosis of NSD. The procedure is based on recombinase polymerase amplification and targets the imp gene encoding a pathogen-specific immunodominant membrane protein. Therefore we followed a two-step process. First we developed an isothermal DNA amplification method for real time fluorescence application and then transferred this assay to a lateral flow format. The limit of detection for both procedures was estimated to be 10 organisms. We simplified the template preparation procedure by using freshly squeezed phloem sap from Napier grass. Additionally, we developed a laboratory serological assay with the potential to be converted to a lateral flow assay. Two murine monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity to the immunodominant membrane protein IMP of Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae were generated. Both antibodies specifically reacted with the denatured or native 17 kDa IMP protein. In dot blot experiments of extracts from infected plant, phytoplasmas were detected in as little as 12,5 μg of fresh plant material.

Rapid detection of Trypanosoma cruzi by colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): A potential novel tool for the detection of congenital Chagas infection

Early diagnosis of congenital Trypanosomacruzi transmission in newborns is essential because babies show high indices of cure. Conventional diagnosis is based on microscopic examination and serology. Molecular diagnosis is a promising alternative to replace conventional diagnosis, although it is not well suited for adoption in laboratories with limited resources. Isothermal DNA amplification methods have the advantage of not requiring expensive equipment. The aim of this work was to apply loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect congenital infection in babies colorimetrically. This assay was able to detect all T. cruzi discrete typing units and Leishmania braziliensis, but not other pathogens. The assay showed a limit of detection of 50 parasites/mL in spiked artificial samples. This assay was tested in 27 blood samples of babies born to T. cruzi-infected mothers and showed 100% of concordance with conventional diagnosis. This is the first study to detect T. cruzi in clinical samples by LAMP, showing that this assay would be useful in the detection of congenital T. cruzi infection. The advantages of this novel tool include the speed with which the assays can be completed, the no-need of trained personnel, and the fact that it can be performed without complex and expensive laboratory equipment.