Validation of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid and sensitive detection of Ureaplasma species in respiratory tracts of preterm infants.

The LAMP assay showed similar sensitivity and specificity with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in the respiratory tracts of preterm infants including extremely preterm infants during the immediate postnatal period. Therefore, the LAMP is a practical alternative for the early detection so that appropriate antibiotics can be administered for preventing BPD.