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A novel detection method based on MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD targeting the repeated DNA sequence of Trichomonas vaginalis
Zhenke Yang1, Jinghui Wang1, Yiming Qi1
1Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
Background:
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite, widely recognized as the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally. This infection is linked to various complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and an increased risk of acquiring HIV. Current molecular detection methods for T. vaginalis are often costly and technically challenging.
Methods:
We developed a novel detection method for T. vaginalis using a multi-enzyme isothermal rapid amplification-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (MIRA-CRISPR)/Cas13a-lateral flow device (LFD). This assay targets the repeated DNA sequence (GenBank: L23861.1) of T. vaginalis and is performed at a constant temperature of 37 °C for approximately 1 hour.
Results:
The detection limit of genomic DNA (gDNA) using our protocol was 1 × 10-4 ng/μl. Specificity was confirmed by the absence of cross-reaction with gDNA from various other microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Escherichia coli, Monilia albicans, Giardia lamblia, or Toxoplasma gondii. Among 30 clinical samples tested, the positive rates of T. vaginalis detection were 33.33% (10/30) by wet mount microscopy, 40% (12/30) by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 40% (12/30) by MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD, and 40% (12/30) by the culture method. Compared with the culture method, the gold standard for diagnosing trichomoniasis, wet mount microscopy showed a sensitivity of 83.3% and moderate diagnostic agreement (kappa value = 0.87). Both nested PCR and MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD exhibited 100% sensitivity and excellent diagnostic agreement (kappa value = 1).
Conclusions:
The MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method is a convenient, rapid, stable, and accurate diagnostic tool for detecting T. vaginalis. This method has the potential to enhance the diagnosis and management of vaginitis, offering a significant improvement over existing diagnostic techniques.
Insights
A new MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD test accurately detects Trichomonas vaginalis, the leading cause of non-viral STIs. This rapid and convenient method offers improved diagnosis for vaginitis compared to existing techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection globally.
- It is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased HIV risk.
- Current detection methods are expensive and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tool for T. vaginalis detection.
- To evaluate the performance of the new assay compared to existing methods.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-enzyme isothermal rapid amplification-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (MIRA-CRISPR)/Cas13a-lateral flow device (LFD) assay.
- The assay targets a specific DNA sequence of T. vaginalis and operates at 37°C for approximately 1 hour.
- Testing was performed on clinical samples and compared with microscopy, PCR, and culture.
Main Results:
- The MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD assay demonstrated a detection limit of 1 × 10⁻⁴ ng/μl.
- The assay showed 100% sensitivity and excellent diagnostic agreement (kappa=1) with the gold standard culture method, similar to nested PCR.
- No cross-reactivity was observed with DNA from other common microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- The MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD assay is a convenient, rapid, stable, and accurate diagnostic tool for T. vaginalis.
- This method shows potential for improving vaginitis diagnosis and management.
- It represents a significant advancement over current diagnostic techniques.
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