Visual Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Rapid On-Site Detection of Escherichia coli O157: H7 in Milk Products

(1) Background: Rapid on-site testing is an effective method for the detection of Escherichia coli O157: H7(E. coli O157: H7) in food ingredients and the environment. (2) Methods: In this study, we developed colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and immunochromatographic test strips (ICTs) for the rapid and visual detection of E. coli O157: H7. This study designed new specific LAMP primers for E. coli O157: H7 virulence island genes. After the LAMP amplification, the double-stranded DNA target sequence labeled with digoxin and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) at both ends was bound to the anti-digoxin antibody on the gold nanoparticles. Subsequently, it was further bound to the anti-FITC antibody at the T line of the ICTs, forming a positive test result. Hydroxynaphthyl blue dye was directly added to the LAMP amplification product. A blue color indicated positive results, while a purple color indicated negative results. (3) Results: Two visualization methods showed high specificity for the target strains. The visualization tests had sensitivities of 5.7 CFU mL(-1), and the detection limit of the Escherichia coli O157: H7 in artificially contaminated milk samples was 5.7 x 10(2) CFU mL(-1), which was consistent with the results of the standard method (LAMP-electrophoresis method) used in commercial inspection. (4) Conclusions: Both methods could be useful in remote and under-resourced areas.