Rapid and sensitive detection of Listeria monocytogenes by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Meng-Jun Tang1, Sheng Zhou, Xiao-Yan Zhang

  • 1Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu, China. tangmengjun1980@163.com

Current Microbiology
|September 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) offers a rapid and sensitive method for detecting Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen. This assay is highly accurate and outperforms conventional PCR for identifying contamination in food samples.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Food Safety
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen causing illness in humans and animals.
  • Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for food safety surveillance.
  • Existing methods like PCR may have limitations in sensitivity and speed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To compare the sensitivity and accuracy of the LAMP assay against conventional PCR and culture-based methods.
  • To assess the utility of LAMP for routine food sample analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A novel primer set targeting the hlyA gene of Listeria monocytogenes was designed for LAMP.
  • The LAMP assay was optimized for a 40-minute reaction time at 65°C.
  • Amplification was visualized using calcein and manganous ion, with confirmation by agarose gel electrophoresis.
  • Sensitivity was determined using pure cultures, and accuracy was evaluated using 60 chicken samples compared to culture-biotechnical methods.

Main Results:

  • The LAMP assay demonstrated high sensitivity, detecting as few as 2.0 CFU/reaction of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • The assay was 100-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR.
  • In chicken samples, the LAMP assay achieved 100% accuracy, correctly identifying all positive samples, whereas PCR missed two positive cases.
  • Amplification products were clearly visualized, facilitating straightforward interpretation.

Conclusions:

  • Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) provides a sensitive, rapid, and simple method for Listeria monocytogenes detection.
  • The LAMP assay is a valuable tool for enhancing surveillance and ensuring the safety of food products.
  • This method offers a significant improvement over conventional PCR for foodborne pathogen detection.