Show Notes
️ Episode 114: One-hour extraction-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification HPV DNA assay for point-of-care testing in Maputo, Mozambique
In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore the development of a rapid and affordable HPV DNA test designed for cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings. The study introduces a one-hour, extraction-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that directly processes cervicovaginal samples without complex infrastructure.
Study Highlights:
The researchers designed a multiplex LAMP assay targeting HPV16, HPV18, and HPV45—the three HPV types most responsible for cervical cancer—along with a cellular control. Using a simple benchtop fluorimeter, the test delivered results in under one hour with high analytical sensitivity and specificity. Clinical validation in Houston, Texas, showed perfect concordance with the reference standard, while evaluation in Maputo, Mozambique, achieved 93% concordance. The assay minimized handling steps by using chemical lysis and direct addition of lysate to the reaction, enabling point-of-care applicability.
Conclusion:
This proof-of-concept assay demonstrates the potential to expand cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings through a rapid, accurate, and affordable molecular test.
Reference:
Barra, M.J., Wilkinson, A.F., Ma, A.E., Goli, K., Atif, H., Osman, N.M.R.B., Lorenzoni, C., Tivir, G., Lathrop, E.H., Castle, P.E., Guo, M., Montealegre, J.R., Baker, E.S., Salcedo, M.P., Schmeler, K.M., & Richards-Kortum, R.R. (2025). One-hour extraction-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification HPV DNA assay for point-of-care testing in Maputo, Mozambique. *Nature Communications*, 16, 7295. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62454-x
License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support:
If you'd like to support Base by Base, you can make a one-time or monthly donation here: https://basebybase.castos.com/
Keywords: HPV, cervical cancer screening, LAMP assay, point-of-care diagnostics, low-resource settings
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