Rapid detection of Enterobacter cloacae with a visualized isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assay

Abstract

Abstract Background: Enterobacter cloacae exhibits strong adhesion and invasion properties which can contribute its ability to infect the host; it has been considered as an important opportunistic pathogen throughout the world. Simple, rapid, and accurate detection methods are needed to control the spread of E. cloacae. Current methods suffer from various shortcomings and do not meet the demand for on-site detection. Results: In this study, an isothermal detection method using recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow strip (RPA-LFS) was established to target the outer membrane protein X (ompX) gene of E. cloacae. This reaction can be performed in 30 min at 37°C. The limit of detection of 101 CFU/reaction was equivalent to that of the qPCR method. The detection accuracy of clinical samples was also equal to that of the qPCR method. Conclusions: The RPA-LFS assay developed in this study was simple, rapid, and accurate, and did not require a laboratory facility. It may be useful for on-site detection of E. cloacae.