Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of vanA gene enables a rapid and naked-eye detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci infection

• LAMP reaction was optimized for detection of vanA gene.
• Positive LAMP reaction was confirmed by naked-eye detection of Mg2P2O7 precipitate.
• The LAMP reaction was successfully applied for detection of VRE infection.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infection at intensive care unit (ICU). A rapid and sensitive detection of VRE infection is in high demand for timely and suitable antibiotic treatment. Here, we optimized a distinct DNA-based diagnostic technique, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for a rapid detection of the presence of vanA gene, a critical component of the gene cluster required for vancomycin resistance. Amplification efficiency was optimal at 62 °C and with 2 mM MgSO4. The detection limit of the DNA template was 80 pg and LAMP amplicons were detected within 40 min; thereby suggesting a potential applicability of LAMP as a sensitive and urgent diagnostic method. Furthermore, positive LAMP reaction was directly detected with the naked-eye by monitoring the formation of a white precipitate or the color change induced by hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) dye. Finally, 56 clinical isolates were successfully tested for the presence of vanA gene by LAMP, which was determined to be more sensitive than PCR. Together, our results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of LAMP for the diagnosis of VRE infection.