Professor Dr. Md. Atikul Haque, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), has developed a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test method capable of detecting the foodborne bacterium Bacillus cereus within 90 minutes. The research, conducted in collaboration with Noakhali Science and Technology University, was published in the international journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. The study found that about 80 percent of field samples tested positive for at least one toxin gene, with the highest contamination in animal feed, followed by milk and eggs.

Compared to conventional PCR tests, which require 3–5 hours and expensive thermal cyclers, the LAMP method is faster, cheaper (around USD 2.5 per test), and can be performed using basic heating equipment. It is also about 10,000 times more sensitive, showing 96.1% diagnostic sensitivity. Dr. Haque stated that this innovation offers Bangladesh an effective and affordable tool for rapid bacterial detection, even in resource-limited settings.

Researchers plan to expand the study nationwide, develop multiplex and species-specific LAMP systems, and create portable field kits for on-site testing. They also aim to integrate the technology into the national food safety framework to strengthen surveillance.