Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Its Different Testing Methods: A Review

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium is a serious current health care concern. In the mid-1980s, S. aureus strains emerged that were resistant to the beta-lactamase-stable penicillin, these strains were termed methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Methicillin resistance in S. aureus is primarily mediated by the mecA gene, which codes for the modified penicillin-binding protein 2a. MRSA strain has become one of the well-known etiologic agents for a wide variety of infections in hospital as well as in community settings. In addition, they are the growing threats to the immune-compromised and to the general public. Risk factors associated with MRSA bacteremia include residence in an extended care facility, prior antibiotic exposure, insulin dependent diabetes, prolonged hospitalization, urinary catheterization, nasogastric tube placement, prior surgery, and having an underlying disease. Samples for S. aureus can be pus, sputum, nasal swab, body fluids, urine etc. Isolation of S. aureus can be done using the routine culture media namely, nutrient agar and blood agar, prepared aseptically followed by identification of isolates using gram staining and biochemical tests. Then the detection of MRSA can be done by various methods such as antimicrobial susceptible testing, CHROMagar and PBP2a latex agglutination test. Data analysis can be then carried out. Since the MRSA infections are the existing health problems today, there requires the accurate, reliable and rapid tests that can be carried out in routine laboratory procedures.

Keywords: MRSA, beta-lactam antibiotics, antibiotic sensitivity test, CHROMagar, PBP2a latex agglutination test

Cite this Article

Sweekriti Shakya, Anching Thapa, Gaurab Mali, Sabina Magar, Sanjaya Gurung. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Its Different Testing Methods: A Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Microbiology and Virology. 2016; 6(1): 27–30p.