Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for Enterococcus sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in chicken

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a major cause of lameness in broiler chicken, and results in serious economic losses worldwide. Although the pathogenesis mechanism leading to lameness is not entirely understood, some strains of Enterococcus sp., avian pathogenic Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus have been long recognized as important causative pathogens. To prevent the progression of Enterococcus sp., avian pathogenic E. coli or S. aureus infections, we developed rapid, sensitive and convenient diagnostic assays using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Entero-Common-LAMP assays were developed for simultaneous detection of eight Enterococcus species. To target specific microorganisms, seven Entero-Specific-LAMP assays for E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. gallinarum, E. avium, E. durans and E. cecorum were developed, as well as E. coli-LAMP and S. aureus-LAMP assays. Considering the prevalence and economic impact of Enterococcus sp., E. coli and S. aureus, the 10 different LAMP assays which were developed have considerable potential as routine diagnostic methods in the field or in resource-limited environments.