Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
14:04
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates using two-step triplex PCR and conventional
Joon-Il Cho1, Hye-Jin Jung, Young-Joon Kim
1Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 456-756, Korea.
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
|December 7, 2007
Summary
A novel triplex PCR assay accurately detects methicillin resistance genes (mecA) and identifies Staphylococcus aureus species. This method shows high correlation with existing tests, aiding in rapid clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen.
- Methicillin resistance in S. aureus poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a two-step triplex PCR assay.
- To detect methicillin resistance genes (mecA) in Staphylococcus aureus.
- To simultaneously identify S. aureus at the species level.
Main Methods:
- Developed a two-step triplex PCR assay.
- Targeted mecA, femA, and nuc genes for detection.
- Examined 105 S. aureus isolates (clinical and foodborne).
Main Results:
- All 105 S. aureus isolates were positive for femA and nuc genes.
- 44 clinical isolates tested positive for the mecA gene.
- No foodborne isolates were mecA positive.
- PCR results showed 98-99% correlation with PBP2a latex agglutination and oxacillin susceptibility tests.
Conclusions:
- The developed triplex PCR assay is effective for detecting methicillin resistance in S. aureus.
- The assay enables simultaneous species identification and resistance gene detection.
- This method offers a reliable alternative to conventional susceptibility testing.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...