Evaluation of MRSA-Screen, a simple anti-PBP 2a slide latex agglutination kit, for rapid detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

J Clin Microbiol. 1999 May;37(5):1591-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.37.5.1591-1594.1999.

Abstract

The MRSA-Screen test (Denka Seiken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), consisting of a slide latex agglutination kit that detects PBP 2a with a monoclonal antibody, was blindly compared to the oxacillin disk diffusion test, the oxacillin-salt agar screen, and PCR of the mecA gene for the detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 120 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 80 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates, defined by the absence or presence of the mecA gene, respectively, were tested. The MRSA-Screen test, the oxacillin disk diffusion test, and the oxacillin-salt agar screening test showed sensitivities of 100, 61.3, and 82.5% and specificities of 99.2, 96.7, and 98.3%, respectively. We conclude that the MRSA-Screen is a very accurate, reliable, and fast test (15 min) for differentiation of MRSA from MSSA colonies on agar plates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology
  • Hexosyltransferases*
  • Humans
  • Latex Fixation Tests
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase / analysis*
  • Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase / immunology
  • Oxacillin / pharmacology
  • Penicillin-Binding Proteins
  • Peptidyl Transferases*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Penicillin-Binding Proteins
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Peptidyl Transferases
  • Hexosyltransferases
  • Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase
  • Oxacillin