Stem loop-mediated isothermal amplification test: comparative analysis with classical LAMP and PCR in detection of Entamoeba histolytica in Kenya
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Date
2017Author
Mwendwa, F.
Mbae, C. K.
Kinyua, J.
Mulinge, E.
Mburugu, G. N.
Njiru, Z. K.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent for amoebiasis is a considerable burden to population in
the developing countries where it accounts for over 50 million infections. The tools for detection of amoebiasis are
inadequate and diagnosis relies on microscopy which means a significant percent of cases remain undiagnosed.
Moreover, tests formats that can be rapidly applied in rural endemic areas are not available.
Methods: In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal test (LAMP) based on 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene
was designed with extra reaction accelerating primers (stem primers) and compared with the published LAMP and
PCR tests in detection of E. histolytica DNA in clinical samples.
Results: The stem LAMP test indicated shorter time to results by an average 11 min and analytical sensitivity of
10−7 (~30 pg/ml) compared to the standard LAMP and PCR which showed sensitivities levels of 10−5 (~3 ng/ml) and
10−4 (~30 ng/ml) respectively using tenfold serial dilution of DNA. In the analysis of clinical specimens positive for
Entamoeba spp. trophozoites and cysts using microscopy, the stem LAMP test detected E. histolytica DNA in 36/126,
standard LAMP test 20/126 and PCR 17/126 cases respectively. There was 100% agreement in detection of the stem
LAMP test product using fluorescence of SYTO-9 dye in real time machine, through addition of 1/10 dilution of SYBR®
Green I and electrophoresis in 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide.
Conclusion: The stem LAMP test developed in this study indicates potential towards detection of E. histolytica.