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New method for typing Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin based on sulphur-35 methionine labelled
Abstract:
Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of sulphur-35 methionine labelled cellular proteins of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin was used as a typing method during an outbreak on a cardiothoracic ward. This showed that the outbreak strain was indistinguishable from the epidemic strain of methicillin resistant S aureus prevalent in London. In contrast, 44 epidemiologically separate strains of S aureus gave individually distinct radiolabelled protein profiles. This method permitted rapid confirmation that an epidemic strain was responsible and indicated the need for urgent control measures.
Insights
Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis rapidly identified the outbreak strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the epidemic London strain. This confirmed the need for urgent control measures during the cardiothoracic ward outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Outbreaks of MRSA require rapid identification and control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as a typing method for MRSA during a hospital outbreak.
- To determine if the outbreak strain was related to the prevalent epidemic MRSA strain.
Main Methods:
- Radiolabelling of cellular proteins of MRSA with sulphur-35 methionine.
- Analysis of protein profiles using SDS-PAGE.
- Comparison of outbreak strains with epidemiologically separate S. aureus strains.
Main Results:
- The outbreak MRSA strain was indistinguishable from the epidemic MRSA strain circulating in London.
- SDS-PAGE of radiolabelled proteins provided distinct profiles for epidemiologically separate S. aureus strains.
- The method allowed for rapid confirmation of the epidemic strain's involvement.
Conclusions:
- SDS-PAGE of radiolabelled proteins is an effective method for rapid MRSA strain typing.
- Confirmation of the epidemic strain necessitated immediate implementation of control measures.
- This technique aids in managing hospital-acquired infections and controlling MRSA outbreaks.