Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

A Droplet-Based Microfluidic Approach and Microsphere-PCR Amplification for Single-Stranded DNA Amplicons
Published on: November 14, 2018
Molecular Detection of Streptococcus pyogenes by Strand Invasion Based Amplification Assay
Sonja Elf1, Jenni Olli1, Sanna Hirvonen1
1Research and Development, Orion Diagnostica Oy, P. O. BOX 83, 02101, Espoo, Finland.
Introduction:
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) is responsible for a variety of highly communicable infections, accounting for 5-15 and 20-30% of sore throat hospital visits in adults and children, respectively. Prompt diagnosis of GAS can improve the quality of patient care and minimize the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Objective:
Our objective was to develop an alternative nucleic acid amplification method for the diagnosis of GAS.
Method:
We developed and evaluated a strand invasion based amplification (SIBA) assay to rapidly and specifically detect GAS. The performance of the developed GAS SIBA assay was compared with an established GAS polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Results:
The GAS SIBA assay detected small amounts (ten copies) of S. pyogenes DNA within 13 min. The rapid detection time was achieved in part by optimization of magnesium concentration and reaction temperature. The sensitivity and specificity of the GAS SIBA assay for detection of S. pyogenes from clinical specimens were both 100%, and clinical specimens were detected within ~ 8 min of starting the reaction.
Conclusion:
Because the GAS SIBA assay is performed at low and constant temperature, it can be used both in centralized laboratories and for point-of-care testing. Furthermore, given its short detection time and strong analytical performance, the GAS SIBA assay could help to improve patient care and minimize unnecessary prescription of antibiotics.
Insights
A new strand invasion based amplification (SIBA) assay rapidly and accurately detects Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) DNA. This method offers a sensitive and specific alternative for diagnosing GAS infections, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) causes highly communicable infections, leading to significant sore throat hospital visits.
- Accurate and prompt diagnosis of GAS is crucial for effective patient care and antibiotic stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel nucleic acid amplification method for the rapid and specific diagnosis of GAS.
- To assess the performance of the developed assay against an established GAS polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Main Methods:
- Development and evaluation of a strand invasion based amplification (SIBA) assay for GAS detection.
- Comparison of the GAS SIBA assay's performance with a standard GAS PCR assay using clinical specimens.
Main Results:
- The GAS SIBA assay demonstrated rapid detection of S. pyogenes DNA (ten copies) within 13 minutes.
- Achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting S. pyogenes in clinical specimens, with results obtained in approximately 8 minutes.
- Optimized reaction conditions, including magnesium concentration and temperature, contributed to the assay's speed.
Conclusions:
- The GAS SIBA assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for diagnosing GAS infections.
- Its ability to perform at low, constant temperatures makes it suitable for both laboratory and point-of-care settings.
- The assay has the potential to enhance patient care and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Related Concept Videos
Lagging Strand Synthesis
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
Lagging Strand Synthesis
Fixing Double-strand Breaks
Fixing Double-strand Breaks
Kinetic Molecular Theory: Molecular Velocities, Temperature, and Kinetic Energy
Molecular Models

