Detection of methicillin-resistant S.aureus using the cefoxitin disk diffusion method

Objective To evaluate the clinical practicability of cefoxitin disk diffusion method in detecting methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA). Methods 94 strains of clinically isolated S. aureus were tested. The oxacillin disk diffusion method, oxacillin agar dilution test as well as PCR amplification of the mecA gene were performed simultaneously. Results All the 77 mecA-positive strains were identified as methicillin-resistant by cefoxitin disk diffusion method. Conclusions Cefoxitin disk diffusion method can be used reliably in detecting and confirming MRSA.