[Direct and fast detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage by automated nucleic acid extraction and real time PCR].
We have developed a real time PCR assay for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening able to provide a result in less than 3 h. The PCR amplifies a 184 bp fragment corresponding to the junction area between mecA and orfX genes that allows specific identification of MRSA in a nonsterile specimen. 1481 nasal swabs taken from geriatrics, dialysis and intensive care patients were compared with traditional bacteriology. A short centrifugation, preliminary to the extraction, with "SETS" system allows a recovery of the sample. The automated DNA extraction is carried out by the MagNA Pure LC and the PCR by the LightCycler. The agreement between the two methods is 97.7%. A study of sensitivity and specificity on 1111 samples respectively gives 75 and 98% for the real time PCR and, 64 and 99% for the culture. The strategy of fast and effective tracking that we propose is of an undeniable contribution in the fight against the MRSA infections.
Hougardy
N
N
Laboratoire de biologie clinique, cliniques du sud Luxembourg, 137, rue des Déportés, 6700 Arlon, Belgique. nhougardy@clinsudlux.be
Louahabi
A
A
Goffinet
P
P
D001331:Automation; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial