Current and Future Advances in the Detection and Surveillance of Biosecurity-Relevant Equine Bacterial Diseases Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Bacterial infections continue to cause ongoing health problems in the global equine industry, resulting in substantial loss of valuable economic contributions worldwide. Biosecurity-relevant equine bacterial diseases have resulted in restricted importation and exportation of horses, impediment of breeding, and cancellation of culturally important events. Vigilant, rapid diagnostics and surveillance of such diseases are vital to prevent outbreaks and to provide timely management and treatment strategies. However, current methodologies are outdated and, at times, unreliable. This review outlines how the modern technique of loop-mediated isothermal amplification can aid in the protection of the equine industry, and the current advancements further its ability for in-field deployment. ABSTRACT: Horses play an important role throughout the world, whether for work, culture, or leisure, providing an ever-growing significant contribution to the economy. The increase in importation and movement of horses, both nationally and internationally, has inevitably allowed for the global equine industry to grow. Subsequently, however, the potential for transmission of fatal equine bacterial diseases has also escalated, and devasting outbreaks continue to occur. To prevent such events, disease surveillance and diagnosis must be heightened throughout the industry. Current common, or “gold-standard” techniques, have shown to be inadequate at times, thus requiring newer technology to impede outbreaks. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has proven to be a reliable, rapid, and accessible tool in both diagnostics and surveillance. This review will discuss equine bacterial diseases of biosecurity relevance and their current diagnostic approaches, as well as their respective LAMP assay developments. Additionally, we will provide insight regarding newer technology and advancements associated with this technique and their potential use for the outlined diseases.