Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled lateral flow dipstick targeting erm (41) for detection of Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium massiliense

Mycobacterium abscessus ( M. abscessus ) and Mycobacterium massiliense ( M. massiliense ) are major pathogens that cause post-surgical wound infection and chronic pulmonary disease. Although they are closely related subspecies of M. abscessus complex, their infections are associated with different drug-resistance and cure rate. In the present study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) coupled with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) method was developed to simultaneous detect M. abscessus and M. massiliense , via specific erm (41) gene. The amplification was carried out at 65 °C for only 60 min, and the results could be visualized on a lateral flow strip. Positive results only occurred in M. abscessus and M. massiliense , no cross-reaction with other mycobacterial species was observed. Therefore, the cost-effective MABC ( M. abscessus complex)–LAMP–LFD method developed here was able to correct the diagnose of M. abscessus and M. massiliense infection in a short time. Thus, this method could be used to guide clinicians in treatment of M. abscessus group infections.