Mur (MNS 10) screening with a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in Zhongshan, China

Background The distribution of the Mur blood group antigen is 5–7% in the south of China, and a much higher prevalence is observed in some areas of the region. Anti-Mur can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn and severe transfusion reactions. Objectives Genetic testing is more ideal than conventional serological tests because antibodies for detection are usually not available. Methods In this study, a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Mur blood group antigen was established. Results Fifteen of 275 (5·5%) samples were confirmed by LAMP as Mur antigen positive. All the Mur antigen-positive samples were GP.Mur subtype which was confirmed with sequencing. Conclusion The LAMP method has identical results with conventional serology method but more suitable for large-scale screening.