IS1081-based Multi-targeted LAMP: An Opportunity to Detect Tubercular Uveitis.

BACKGROUND

- Timely and accurate diagnosis of tubercular uveitis (TBU) is imperative, hence multitargeted loop-mediated isothermal amplification (MLAMP) using three gene targets (IS1081, IS6110 and MPB64) was evaluated for it.

METHODS

- About 120 vitreous fluid samples [70 clinically suspected TBU (3 culture-positive, 67 culture-negative) and 50 controls] were subjected to MLAMP to evaluate its performance in diagnosing TBU.

RESULTS

- Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MLAMP in the diagnosis of TBU was 77.14%, 100%, 100% and 75.75%, respectively, with an additional detection of 9 (12.85%) cases (5 by IS1081LAMP and 2 each by MPB64LAMP and IS6110LAMP). Maximum TBU cases were detected by IS1081LAMP (50/70) followed by MPB64LAMP (47/70) and IS6110LAMP (45/70).

CONCLUSION

- MLAMP, with the incorporation of IS1081, served as a sensitive, rapid, simple and cost-effective technique for TBU diagnosis.