Rapid Detection of Aeromonas hydrophila in Tilapia Samples Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Targeting the Aerolysin Gene

Aeromonas hydrophila is a notorious pathogen in tilapia aquaculture, often linked to fish kills due to its virulence gene, aerolysin. Economic losses globally underscore the urgency for effective disease diagnosis. While PCR is the gold standard, its complexity limits field use. Thus, this study aimed to develop a sensitive, specific, and field-friendly detection kit using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). Bacterial isolates from 12 farms across Luzon were collected and tested. LAMP primers, validated through parallel PCR testing, showed 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The optimized incubation conditions (63°C for 1 hour) facilitated rapid and reliable detection. Notably, LAMP's simplicity and shorter processing time offer advantages over PCR, obviating the need for sophisticated equipment and highly skilled personnel. The developed protocol, with its high diagnostic reliability, holds promise for future surveillance of aerA gene-carrying A. hydrophila strains in aquaculture settings.