Development of a rapid and sensitive recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow assay for detection of Burkholderia mallei.

The researchers in this article have developed a quick and sensitive tool, the recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow (RPA-LF) assay, for detecting Burkholderia mallei, a bacterial agent responsible for causing glanders. This assay can differentiate between B. mallei and closely related species B. pseudomallei, offering a valuable tool for diagnosing of glanders and potentially preventing the spread of the disease.

Background of the Study

• Burkholderia mallei is a potent biothreat and cause of zoonotic disease glanders. The ailment mainly affects equines, but humans can also be infected. Timely detection of the bacterium is crucial for early treatment of the disease in humans and its containment in animals.
• This species has a close genetic relationship with Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes another disease known as melioidosis. Thus, accurately detecting B. mallei and distinguishing it from B. pseudomallei is a considerable challenge.

Introduction to Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Lateral Flow (RPA-LF) Assay

• The researchers developed a tool, known as recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow (RPA-LF) assay, to overcome this challenge.
• RPA-LF assay is a simple and rapid diagnostic tool that does not need sophisticated devices to operate. This makes it an ideal instrument for use in locations with limited access to high-tech laboratory resources.

Performance of the RPA-LF Assay

• The RPA-LF assay was found to be highly sensitive, detecting as little as 10fg of B. mallei’s genomic DNA.
• It also successfully differentiated between B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, proving its specificity.
• In addition to its high sensitivity and specificity, the assay also successfully detected B. mallei in experimental trials involving artificially spiked samples of blood, tap water, and garden soil.

Implications of the Study

• The RPA-LF assay is positioned to have broader implications for glanders diagnosis and environmental detection of B. mallei.
• It has the potential to replace PCR-based detection tools, especially in areas endemic to glanders where resources are limited.