Abstract
We compared real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with in vitro culture for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in samples from environmental surfaces. The sensitivity of RT-PCR, compared with culture, was 92.5%, and the specificity was 51.4%. Because of poor specificity, the RT-PCR kit tested is not suitable for the detection of MRSA on hospital surfaces.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Evaluation Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Bacteriological Techniques / methods
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Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / microbiology*
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Fomites / microbiology*
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Humans
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Methicillin Resistance*
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Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
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Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards*
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Predictive Value of Tests
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Staphylococcus aureus / classification*
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Staphylococcus aureus / genetics
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Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification