A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the identification of species within the Echinococcus granulosus complex

To facilitate the specific identification of Echinococcus spp. isolates in endemic countries, a LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) assay was developed to detect the various agents known to cause cystic echinococcosis (E. granulosus s.s., E. equinus, E. ortleppi, E. canadensis and E. felidis). The infectivity of the different species and the severity of the disease in humans and livestock vary significantly among those species, and correct molecular identification of large numbers of field isolates is crucial to understand their epidemiology. However, funding constraints in many CE endemic countries often prevent PCR-based screening of field isolates. The LAMP method allows the amplification of DNA fragments under isothermal conditions which can be achieved using an ordinary waterbath, and the detection of amplification products only requires a UV light source. In the present study a LAMP assay was developed which allows the detection and differentiation of the 5 CE causing Echinococcus species. The diagnostic power was adjusted to species level, i.e. intraspecific strains (G1-3 within E. granulosus s.s., G6-10 within E. canadensis) are not discriminated. Wherever this would be necessary for epidemiological purposes, the method can be adjusted according to local requirements. The sensitivity of the assay was tested down to one fiftieth of a single protoscolex or egg, respectively. The present study describes a fast and simple method for the differentiation of CE causing Echinococcus species which can facilitate epidemiological studies in endemic countries.