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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from burn patients by multiplex
Effat Abbasi Montazeri1, Azar Dokht Khosravi2, Abbas Jolodar3
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) as important human pathogens are causes of nosocomial infections worldwide. Burn patients are at a higher risk of local and systemic infections with these microorganisms.
Objective:
A screening method for MRSA by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), mecA, and nuc genes was developed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of this PCR assay for the detection of MRSA strains in samples from burn patients.
Methods:
During an 11-month period, 230 isolates (53.11%) of Staphylococcus spp. were collected from burn patients. The isolates were identified as S. aureus by using standard culture and biochemical tests. DNA was extracted from bacterial colonies and multiplex PCR was used to detect MRSA and MRCoNS strains.
Results:
Of the staphylococci isolates, 149 (64.9%) were identified as S. aureus and 81 (35.21%) were described as CoNS. Among the latter, 51 (62.97%) were reported to be MRCoNS. From the total S. aureus isolates, 132 (88.6%) were detected as MRSA and 17 (11.4%) were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The presence of the mecA gene in all isolates was confirmed by using multiplex PCR as a gold standard method.
Conclusion:
This study presented a high MRSA rate in the region under investigation. The 16S rRNA-mecA-nuc multiplex PCR is a good tool for the rapid characterization of MRSA strains. This paper emphasizes the need for preventive measures and choosing effective antimicrobials against MRSA and MRCoNS infections in the burn units.
Insights
A multiplex PCR assay effectively detected high rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in burn patients. This rapid molecular method aids in identifying these resistant bacteria, crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) are significant nosocomial pathogens globally.
- Burn patients face an elevated risk of local and systemic infections from these multidrug-resistant organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for MRSA screening.
- To assess the assay's utility in detecting MRSA in clinical samples from burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected 230 Staphylococcus spp. isolates from burn patients over 11 months.
- Identified isolates using standard culture and biochemical tests.
- Employed multiplex PCR targeting 16S rRNA, mecA, and nuc genes for MRSA and MRCoNS detection after DNA extraction.
Main Results:
- Identified 149 S. aureus (64.9%) and 81 CoNS (35.21%).
- Detected 51 MRCoNS (62.97% of CoNS) and 132 MRSA (88.6% of S. aureus).
- Confirmed mecA gene presence in all MRSA/MRCoNS isolates via multiplex PCR.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of MRSA was observed in the study region.
- The 16S rRNA-mecA-nuc multiplex PCR provides rapid and accurate MRSA strain characterization.
- Highlights the necessity for enhanced preventive measures and judicious antimicrobial selection in burn units to combat MRSA/MRCoNS.
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