Application of duplex PCR for rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Objective To establish duplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR)system for fast detecting Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA),guiding rational use of antimicrobials in clinical practice,and preventing MRSA spreading.Methods Two pairs of primers according to coagulase gene(Coag)and drug resistance gene(mecA)of S.aureus were designed,duplex PCR system was established and applied for amplifying Coagand mecAin85 clinical S.aureus strains,amplification reaction result was compared with that of oxacillin-salt agar screening(OSAS)test.Results Of 85 clinical S.aureus isolates,53(62.35%)were MRSA detected by OSAS test.All 85 S.aureus isolates were detected Coaggene fragments by duplex PCR,and 53 of which were also detected mecAgene fragments,PCR results were consistent with OSAS test result for detecting MRSA.Conclusion Duplex PCR can detect Coagand mecAof S.aureus rapidly and simultaneously,and is helpful for early detection of MRSA,guidance of rational use of antimicrobial agents,and control of MRSA transmission.