title: Evaluation of the TPX MRSA assay for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new type of assay for the phenotypic detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The assay is based on a point-of-care compatible two-photon excitation fluorescence detection technology (TPX). A collection of 243 epidemic MRSA isolates was tested in addition to 138 sporadic MRSA and 101 negative control strains. The assay proved to be both sensitive (97.9%) and specific (94.1%) in the identification of MRSA, with adequate positive (98.4%) and negative (92.2%) predictive values. The time required for obtaining a positive test result was less than 14 h for 99.0% of the MRSA true-positive samples. After a test run, the selectively enriched reaction mixtures may be recovered and further studied by molecular or standard phenotypic methods. The main benefits of the TPX methodology include a simple assay procedure, low reagent consumption, and a high-throughput capacity.
authors: Department of Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland. tejust@utu.fi
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Stenholm
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Hakanen
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Salmenlinna
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Pihlasalo
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Härmä
authors: P E
authors: PE
authors: Hänninen
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Huovinen
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Vuopio
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Kotilainen
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013997:Time Factors