Comparing LAMP and Nested PCR Techniques: An Evaluation | IDR

As the field of molecular biology advances, various techniques have been developed to detect and quantify specific nucleic acid sequences. Two such techniques are LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) and nested PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Although both techniques aim to amplify specific DNA sequences in vitro, they differ in several aspects, including their sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use. In this article, we will perform a comparative evaluation of LAMP and nested PCR, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and providing insights into their appropriate usage for different applications.


The study aimed to compare the ability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in detecting Mycobacterium marinum in skin samples from patients with M. marinum infection. The researchers validated the specificity of the LAMP primers and optimized LAMP performance for detection of M. marinum genomic DNA. Six M. marinum strains and six skin samples with definitive diagnosis of M. marinum infection were included in the study. The sensitivity of the LAMP and nested PCR assays was assessed by M. marinum strains and clinical samples. Nested PCR was found to be 10-fold more sensitive than the LAMP assay by serial dilution of M. marinum DNA. All PCR-positive samples were also positive by LAMP detection of six clinical M. marinum strains. Out of six clinical skin specimens confirmed as M. marinum infection, PCR detected 0%, nested PCR detected 50%, LAMP detected 50%, and culture detected 66.6%.
The LAMP assay proved to be more suitable for rapid diagnosis of M. marinum infection, especially in resource-limited settings. Compared with conventional PCR, both LAMP and nested PCR are more sensitive and have a higher detection rate of M. marinum in clinical skin specimens.


In conclusion, the comparative evaluation of LAMP and nested PCR techniques pointed towards certain distinctive features of each method. While LAMP proved to be a cost-effective and rapid technique with higher specificity, nested PCR has the potential for detecting low concentrations of target DNA with extreme precision. Ultimately, the choice between these two methods will depend on the specific objectives of the study, budget constraints, and the level of expertise available in the laboratory. Despite their limitations, both LAMP and nested PCR are powerful diagnostic tools that have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and have contributed significantly to the detection and identification of various pathogens. As advancements continue, it is probable that these methods will be refined and improved to meet the growing demands of the scientific community. Ultimately, the comparative evaluation serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scientists in determining the best molecular diagnostic method for their specific study.