Convidamos a todos para a Defesa da Qualificação de Doutorado da discente do nosso programa, Ray César Silva.

A defesa pública ocorrerá no dia 21 de agosto de 2026 às 09h:00, por videoconferância com acesso através do link: 

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/297268789857077?p=aYdj97YIbcLe7ECCUc

Será apresentado o trabalho com o título: Validation of a visual Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Helicobacter hepaticus in laboratory mice

Abstract
Health monitoring of laboratory rodents is essential to ensure animal welfare, experimental reproducibility, and compliance
with guidelines such as those of FELASA. In this context, there is a growing demand for faster, lower-cost diagnostic methods
compatible with minimally invasive sampling, in alignment with the 3Rs principles. This study aims to develop and validate
a visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of Helicobacter hepaticus in laboratory
mice for sanitary control purposes. Specific primers were designed, and the assay's analytical sensitivity was compared to
conventional PCR. Additionally, a customized photographic box was developed to standardize the visual detection of the
colorimetric reaction. Preliminary results demonstrated that the designed primers were effective in amplifying the target. In
comparison with the reference standard (conventional PCR), the visual LAMP assay demonstrated promising diagnostic
feasibility for institutional screening, offering a thermal-cycler-independent alternative. However, limitations such as the
detection window still require further investigation, as PCR may offer advantages in certain scenarios. It is concluded that,
although still undergoing validation, this LAMP protocol shows potential as a complementary tool to modernize health control
in accordance with international guidelines and the 3Rs principles.

Keywords: Helicobacter hepaticus; Health monitoring; Laboratory rodents; FELASA; Molecular diagnostics; 3Rs.