Branched-DNA assay for detection of the mecA gene in oxacillin-resistant and oxacillin-sensitive staphylococci.

ABSTRACT: The identification of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus isolates in the clinical laboratory has typically been performed by using methods that detect phenotypic expression of resistance determinants. However, these methods may be difficult to interpret and some isolates do not express resistance until selective pressure is administered. Assays that detect genetic determinants are not subject to these limitations and have been effective in distinguishing isolates that are capable of expressing the resistance phenotype. In this study, a novel branched-DNA (bDNA) hybridization assay was used to test for the mecA gene in 416 clinical staphylococcal isolates. The results were compared with those obtained by a PCR-based assay and oxacillin disk diffusion. For 155 Staphylococcus aureus and 261

SUBMITTER: Kolbert CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC105177 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature