Establishment and application of recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow dipstick for detection of mcr-1 in unculture clinical samples

A new method for detecting colistin resistance has been developed, combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) on uncultured clinical samples. The method achieved a low detection limit of 10 copies/μL and high specificity within 20 minutes. The evaluation assay showed an 98% accuracy, matching antimicrobial susceptibility outcomes. The method, which integrates nucleic acid extraction, isothermal amplification, and test assay, suggests potential for timely colistin resistance surveillance in frontline disease control and healthcare settings.