A groundbreaking study has introduced the first application of RPA–CRISPR/Cas12a combined with lateral flow analysis for the detection of Shigella flexneri in food samples.

This innovative integration of CRISPR/Cas12a with RPA enables rapid and specific molecular detection without the need for complex instrumentation, significantly enhancing point-of-care diagnostics.

The RPA–CRISPR/Cas12a–LFA system allows for quick and portable identification of Shigella flexneri, making it particularly suitable for use in resource-limited settings.

Field tests have demonstrated the system's effectiveness with artificially contaminated food samples, achieving reliable results even at low concentrations.

Notably, the detection limit of this new method is as low as 8.3 copies/μL of genomic DNA, highlighting its high sensitivity.

Current gold-standard detection methods for Shigella necessitate sophisticated equipment and trained personnel, underscoring the urgent need for simpler alternatives.

The system's specificity has been validated against 14 non-Shigella species, confirming that there is no cross-reactivity.

Combining high sensitivity, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness, this method is poised to be ideal for food safety testing.

Shigella is a major public health concern, being the leading cause of infectious diarrhea in China, with nearly 190 million annual cases and significant mortality, especially in developing countries.