Development and application of a rapid detection system for Aspergillus fumigatus based on ERA/CRISPR-Cas12a

Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) is the predominant pathogen implicated in invasive aspergillosis (IA) in humans; therefore, prompt and accurate detection is critical for the effective prevention and management of IA. This study developed a rapid detection system targeting the AF-specific anxC4 gene by integrating enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) with CRISPR/Cas12a. The reaction proceeds at a stable temperature of 37 °C, with amplification and detection systems separately positioned in the tube lid and bottom, respectively, effectively minimizing aerosol contamination typically associated with product transfers. To enhance sensitivity, the One-Pot method was optimized. Consequently, the fluorescence detection limit reached 1 fg/µL, and the sensitivity of the test strip reached 10 fg/µL, with no cross-reactivity observed against other fungi. Detection of AF was completed within 60 min, and results were visually displayed through fluorescence signals and nucleic acid test strips. Clinical practicality was further evaluated using aspergillosis samples, which demonstrated satisfactory performance. Pure culture results confirmed that out of 62 sputum samples, 32 were positive and 30 negative. Evaluation of 62 clinical samples using the One-Pot ERA-CRISPR/Cas12a system demonstrated sensitivity and specificity rates of 93.75% and 93.33%, respectively, via fluorescence detection, and 90.63% sensitivity and 96.67% specificity using lateral flow strips.