Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract EN

Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S.

aureus (MRSA), is an important human pathogen that produces a variety of toxins and causes a wide range of infections, including soft-tissue infections, bacteremia, and staphylococcal food poisoning.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the arcC gene of S.

aureus was developed and evaluated with 119 S.

aureus and 25 non-S.

aureus strains.

The usefulness of the assay was compared with the PCR method that targets spa and arcC genes.

The optimal temperature for the LAMP assay was 58.5°C with a detection limit of 2.5 ng/μL and 102 CFU/mL when compared to 12.5 ng/μL and 103 CFU/mL for PCR (spa and arcC).

Both LAMP and PCR assays were 100% specific, 100% sensitive, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), and 100% negative predictive value (NPV).

When tested on 30 spiked blood specimens (21 MRSA, eight non-S.

aureus and one negative control), the performance of LAMP and PCR was comparable: 100% specific, 100% sensitive, 100% PPV, and 100% NPV.

In conclusion, the LAMP assay was equally specific with a shorter detection time when compared to PCR in the identification of S.

aureus.

The LAMP assay is a promising alternative method for the rapid identification of S.

aureus and could be used in resource-limited laboratories and fields.