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Updated: May 16, 2026
Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Virus by Reverse Transcription-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Published on: September 8, 2023
Development and evaluation of reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of
Xihong Zhao1, Xiaoping Chen, Youhong Zhang
1Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430073; College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Insights
This study developed a rapid reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for detecting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The new RT-LAMP assay is highly sensitive and specific for HIV-1 detection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a significant global health concern.
- Accurate and rapid diagnostic methods are crucial for effective HIV-1 management and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of HIV-1.
- To evaluate the performance of the developed RT-LAMP method compared to conventional techniques.
Main Methods:
- The HIV-1 integrase gene, a conserved region, was targeted for primer design.
- Six primers specific to eight regions of the integrase gene were synthesized.
- A total of 171 samples, including 18 confirmed HIV-1 positive and 153 serum specimens, were tested using both RT-LAMP and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- The RT-LAMP assay successfully amplified HIV-1 DNA, producing characteristic ladder-like products.
- No amplification products were observed in samples containing other viruses.
- The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay were comparable to RT-PCR, with the RT-LAMP assay demonstrating significantly higher sensitivity than standard gel-based RT-PCR.
Conclusions:
- The developed RT-LAMP assay is a specific and simple method for HIV-1 detection.
- This assay holds potential for widespread application in clinical laboratories for rapid HIV-1 diagnosis.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to establish a reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for rapid detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
Materials And Methods:
The HIV-1 integrase gene region was selected because it was a conserved part of the HIV-1 genome. Six primers specific to eight regions of the HIV-1 integrase gene were designed. A total of 171 samples (18 HIV-1 confirmed positive samples and 153 serum specimens were collected in this study) were tested by RT-LAMP and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After amplification in an isothermal water bath for 45 min, samples containing HIV-1 generated the expected ladder-like products while other viruses generated no product.
Results:
The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay were evaluated by comparison with RT-PCR. The assay was significantly more sensitive than normal gel-based RT-PCR.
Conclusion:
Because it is specific and simple, the RT-LAMP assay can be widely applied in clinical laboratories for rapid detection of HIV-1.
