Rapid and specific molecular identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in endotracheal aspirates from mechanically ventilated patients.
Multiplex amplification of femA and mecA genetic determinants allowed an early and rapid identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in endotracheal aspirates of mechanically ventilated patients. femA and/or mecA amplification and bacteriological results were concordant in 57 of 60 samples. In all three discrepant cases, complementary bacteriological tests confirmed the presence of MRSA first identified by molecular analysis. These results underline the value and rapidity of this molecular diagnosis for MRSA infection and control surveillance in intensive care units. Rapid MRSA detection is expected to have a significant clinical impact not only on patient outcome but also on the costs for isolation and treatment.
Vannuffel
P
P
Laboratory of Applied Molecular Technology, St. Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Laterre
P F
PF
Bouyer
M
M
Gigi
J
J
Vandercam
B
B
Reynaert
M
M
Gala
J L
JL
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006602:Hexosyltransferases; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D002267:Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase / Q000235:genetics; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014132:Trachea / Q000382:microbiology*; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C096686:FemA protein, Bacteria; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; C083616:mecA protein, Bacillus subtilis; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases; D006602:Hexosyltransferases; D002267:Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase