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A novel single-tube LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b method for rapid and visual detection of zoonotic Toxoplasma gondii in the environment

Liang Y, Xie SC, Lv YH, He YH, Zheng XN, Cong W, Elsheikha HM, Zhu XQ

Infectious diseases of poverty, 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, excreted in cat feces, pose a significant health risk to humans through contaminated soil and water. Rapid and accurate detection of T. gondii in environmental samples is essential for public health protection.

METHODS: We developed a novel, single-tube detection method that integrates loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12b system, and lateral flow immunoassay strips for rapid, visual identification of T. gondii. This method targets the T. gondii B1 gene, initially amplifies it with LAMP, directed by a single-guide RNA (sgRNA). It then recognizes the amplified target gene and activates trans-cleavage, cutting nearby single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) reporters. Fluorescence detection was performed using a 6-Carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-12N-Black Hole Quencher-1 (BHQ1) reporter, while Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)-12N-Biotin enabled visual detection on lateral flow strips. The method was tested for its ability to detect various T. gondii genotypes and related parasites, assessing its specificity and broad-spectrum applicability. It was further applied to real-world environmental samples to evaluate its practicality.

RESULTS: The LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b method exhibited high specificity and broad-spectrum detection capability, successfully identifying nine T. gondii genotypes and distinguishing them from 11 other parasitic species. Sensitivity testing at both…

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