Pathogen Detection with Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Recently, a novel methodology termed Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was reported as the preferred technique for rapid diagnostic testing of pathogens. The advantages of LAMP over older techniques are its economic viability, rapidity and its obviation of complex instruments. Reported here is an interdisciplinary approach between medical practices and engineering to implement an affordable diagnostic device which employs LAMP for detection of pathogens. LAMP involves the optical excitation and detection of a pathogen sample mixed with a fluorescent dye as it is heated and amplified over an hour. The device reported here consists of readily available components which heat, optically excite and detect a LAMP sample. Finally, the integration will graphically display the amplification of the LAMP sample as a function of time on a palm top computer by exploiting the ubiquitous 802.11 wireless standard. The diagnostic box implemented here and its supporting components accurately discriminated between positive (infected) and negative (not infected) LAMP samples of various pathogens in approximately one hour. These results were verified using the standard method of pathogen diagnosis termed electrophoresis. Due to the low cost and portability of the device reported here, it poses as a potential solution to the need for quality point of care diagnostic tools in developing countries