Screening for methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci: an evaluation of three selective media and Mastalex-MRSA latex agglutination.
Laboratory confirmation of MRSA is important for the implementation of infection control; conventional screening culture methods take up to five days for confirmation. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the efficiency of three selective media for growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) before and after enrichment in salt broth, and to evaluate the Mastalex-MRSA latex agglutination kit for detection of methicillin resistance. Screening swabs were collected from 63 patients, yielding 125 S. aureus isolates and 40 coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) isolates. Selective media used were mannitol salt agar (MSA), Baird-Parker agar with ciprofloxacin (BPC) and bromocresol purple (BCPA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mecA gene detection was used as the reference standard for evaluation of the Mastalex-MRSA assay, which was also evaluated on colonies of S. aureus from the selective media. No significant difference was found in efficiency of MRSA isolation among the selective media. Pre-enrichment in the salt broth did not enhance isolation of MRSA. Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and CNS were significantly inhibited in all selective media (P<0.05). Only BPC significantly selected out methicillin-resistant CNS (P<0.01). Mastalex-MRSA was 97% specific and sensitive for the detection of MRSA. It was 65% sensitive and 100% specific in detecting methicillin resistance in CNS. In conclusion, all selective media performed equally well (MRSA isolation rate of approximately 80%). Mastalex-MRSA provided rapid and reliable detection of MRSA from selective media, reducing the time required for confirmation of this organism.
Bowers
K M
KM
Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospitals, Cecil Flemming Building, Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK.
Wren
M W D
MW
Shetty
N P
NP
D000372:Agglutination Tests / Q000379:methods; D003470:Culture Media; D006801:Humans; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*
D003470:Culture Media; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic