The Diagnostic Value of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Technique for the Detection of Adenovirus Keratitis

Adenovirus keratitis is an important ocular infection. Quick and timely detection of adenovirus keratitis can help to prevent the spread of disease. Virus detection methods (serological and molecular) have limitations. We evaluated the diagnostic value of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (lamp) technique for the detection of adenovirus keratitis. In this descriptive cross-sectional study، 86 suspected patients to keratitis referred to Farabi and Labbafinejad Hospitals (Tehran، Iran) were enrolled in 2012. DNA samples of patients were extracted using boiling and DNG-Plus. Then، specific primers were designed for LAMP technique. First، sensitivity tests were done and then، optimized for the samples. At the end، LAMP production was examined adding cyber-green. The LAMP test was optimized regard to extracted DNA from adenovirus. The sensitivity test suggested the sensitivity about one particle per virus and no result was obtained during specification test by any of tested DNA. The results of 28 samples (32%) with specific particle and different titers were positive. Using LAMP technique to diagnose adenovirus showed that isothermal proliferation technique by loop (LAMP) has more sensitivity and precision. In addition، this technique provides a faster and more trusting method for diagnosing infections such as keratitis as an emergency case to be diagnosed and cured.