Sensitivity of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Increases 100-Fold after TritonTM X-100 Treatment of Plasmodium-Infected Erythrocytes

Highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic methods that should also be appropriate for Point-of-Care (POC) testing are required for Mass Screening and Treatment (MSAT) programs to be effective in blocking transmission of malaria, and eventually eradicating the disease. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is an accurate, sensitive, rapid, and easy-to-perform method for gene amplification. Preparation of Plasmodium-Infected Red Blood Cell (IRBC) samples for the LAMP assay normally includes boiling and/or centrifugation. To increase the chances of success for MSAT programs in endemic countries where resources might be limited, it should become possible to perform the preparation in a short time and without having to resort to expensive equipment. Herein, we report that treating IRBCs with TritonTM X-100 prior to LAMP assay results in 100-fold increase in the test sensitivity. Our findings may contribute to improve the use and efficacy of LAMP assay as a malaria diagnostic test within MSAT programs in endemic countries.