Rapid and simple detection of Ureaplasma species from vaginal swab samples using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

Problem: Ureaplasma species occasionally cause chorioamnionitis and premature labor. We developed a novel assay employing a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to detect Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Method of study: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification primers were designed to amplify Ureaplasma-specific ureaseB genes. Four U. parvum strains, 5 U. urealyticum strains and 14 reference bacterial species were evaluated. Forty-six vaginal swab samples were analyzed by LAMP, culture, and PCR. Results: Our LAMP primers were specific to each species and had no cross-reaction. Of 46 clinical specimens, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the LAMP method were 100% (12/12), 100% (34/34), 100% (12/12), and 100% (34/34), respectively, whereas those of PCR were 66.7% (8/12), 100% (34/34), 100% (8/8), and 89.5% (34/38), respectively, compared to culture-based detection. Conclusion: The LAMP detection method outperformed the culture and PCR methods. Early detection enables appropriate antibiotic selection for improved prenatal outcomes.