Establishment of LAMP-based rapid detection of Neisseria meningitides

Objective To establish a rapid, sensitive detection approach for Neisseria meningitiids based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods Four LAMP primers (two inner and two outer) were designed according to the six zones of the ctrA gene of Neisseria meningitiids, in addition to two ring primers. The reaction conditions and system were optimized. The sensitivity and specificity of the detection approach were evaluated and compared to conventional PCR methods. Results Favorable sensitivity and specificity of the designed primers were achieved in the amplification of Neisseria meningitiids. The sensitivity of LAMP was 10 times greater than that of conventional PCRs. Conclusion LAMP-based detection, where amplification was completed within 60 min, was faster than PCRs. The established LAMP technique in this study enables rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Neisseria meningitiids, which is suitable for the application in grass-root and small-scale laboratories as well as field surveillance.