Street LAMP: loop-mediated isothermal amplification testing as an easily modifiable point of care rapid testing platform in at-risk populations
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Date
2022-08-03
Authors
Barber-Dueck, Owen
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted rapid testing for infectious disease into a cultural spotlight, and interest and demand for rapid testing has subsequently increased as a result. The ability to confirm diagnoses at point of care and immediately deploy contact tracing, prevention, and treatment has proven
advantages, especially in at-risk and vulnerable communities. This report investigates loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays as a platform for rapid testing with the intention of using it at homeless shelters and drop-ins for unsheltered people. This platform would allow community-based testing programs to test individuals cheaply, rapidly, and accurately. By using a single reaction mixture and swapping in or out primers for different pathogens, these testing programs allow community-informed testing. We validated reverse transcriptase LAMP (RT-LAMP) with previously RT-PCR tested SARS-CoV-2 swab samples (N=200) and, by using primers for multiple gene targets, determined a sensitivity of 75.00% (95% CI 65.34-83.12%), and a specificity of 98.99% (95% CI 94.50-99.97%). Additionally, we determined a sensitivity of 95.24% (95% CI 68-99%) and a specificity of
100% (95% CI 80-100%) for the use of LAMP testing in swabs of syphilis lesions (N=40). Finally, Bartonella quintana pooled lice samples (N=27) showed a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI 50-93%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 69-100%). These early findings and the ability to quickly respond to
population specific needs with a modular, modifiable testing platforms merit further validation of these tests in real-world conditions, where they could be assessed for ease of use, cost-benefit, patient acceptability, and health outcomes.
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Street LAMP