Leak-proof probe for accurate detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by recombinase polymerase amplification-mediated lateral flow strip

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the only pathogen contributing to gonorrhea, a common infectious disease. Clinically, approximately 50–80% of female and 40% of male patients are asymptomatic, and these carriers are the key to gonorrhea transmission. The rapid detection of N. gonorrhoeae recessive infection is vital to curb the spread of gonorrhea. Therefore, the development of a specific, sensitive, rapid, and convenient method for the diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae is a priority. In this study, we identified the highly conserved fitA gene of N. gonorrhoeae as a detection target through bioinformatics analysis. Then, we constructed a convenient, economical, and effective biosensor to detect N. gonorrhoeae without false-positive results based on recombinase polymerase amplification-mediated lateral flow strip by leak-proof probe. The biosensor has high sensitivity, is capable of detecting N. gonorrhoeae at concentrations as low as 102 copies/μL within 28 min, and has high specificity, which allows N. gonorrhoeae to be differentiated from other genito-urinary bacteria and fungi. Finally, this biosensor has been successfully applied to the detection of N. gonorrhoeae in clinical samples, and the results have been consistent with those determined using qRT-PCR.