Rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by real-time fluorescence PCR

Objectives To use a real-time PCR assay to detect methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and provide a clinical basis for rapid diagnosis.Methods Primers and probes were designed in accordance with the nuc gene sequences of Staphylococcus aureus and mecA gene sequences of MRSA.Real-time PCR was used to detect Staphylococcus aureus and identify the genes of MRSA.The results were compared to a direct culture assay.Results In 69 clinical samples,MRSA was detected by real-time PCR in 41 and MSSA was detected in 15 while MRSA was detected by direct culturing in 40 and MSSA was detected in 17.The agreement of the two assays was 92.75%.Conclusion This study shows that a real-time PCR assay with primers for the mecA and nuc genes is a valuable tool for rapid and precise identification of MRSA.