Development and evaluation of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of a new SFTS bunyavirus

The etiological agent of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a bunyavirus that was first identified in China in 2009. We have developed and validated a one-step, single-tube, reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for detection of SFTS bunyavirus (SFTSV). This assay demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity, with a detection limit of 10(1) TCID50 ml(-1). When combined with the fluorescent detection reagent (FDR) method, results could be determined by observing a color change within 30 min. As an accurate, rapid, simple and low-cost diagnostic method, this RT-LAMP assay will be helpful for detecting and preventing further SFTSV infection in China.