RT-LAMP is a potential future molecular diagnostic tool for influenza A virus

Abstract

Aim: Influenza A virus (IAV) causes serious illness and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. To diagnose IAV infection in its early stages, a quick, sensitive, precise detection method is needed for effective clinical management. Materials & methods: In-house hydroxylnaphthol blue (HNB)-based RT-LAMP assay for early detection of IAV using the HA gene was compared with RT-PCR/multiplex-RT-PCR. Results: For the reference strains of IAV, (H1N1 (A/Texas/50/2012) and H3N2 (A/Malaysia/2089302/2009)) RT-LAMP and RT-PCR/M-RT-PCR exhibited a limit of detection of 10 and 100 fg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: HNB-based RT-LAMP is a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective diagnostic tool, and could be a point-of-care test for IAV patients during outbreaks.