Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for Enterococcussp., Escherichiacoli and Staphylococcusaureus 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 Enterococcussp., avian pathogenic Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus have been long recognized as important causative pathogens. To prevent the progression of Enterococcussp., 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. duransand E. cecorum were developed, as well as E. coli-LAMP and S. aureus-LAMP assays. Considering the prevalence and economic impact of Enterococcussp., 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.