Real-time PCR assay for detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Panton-Valentine Leucocidin and Methicillin Resistance directly from clinical samples

Rapid detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important concern for both treatment and implementation of infection control policies. The present study provides an 'in house' real-time PCR assay to detect directly nuc, pvl, and mecA genes. The assay is able to perform identification of MRSA, Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin virulence gene from rectal and pharyngeal swab samples in a screening context. We found an analytical sensitivity of this current Triplex PCR assay of 514 CFU/mL. Analytical specificity was tested with different Gram-positive and Gram-negative species and yielded no false-positive PCR signal. The sensitivity and specificity of the Triplex Real Time PCR were both 100% for these targets when compared with the culture and conventional methods. This assay is readily adaptable for routine use in a microbiology laboratory, as it will enable the implementation of timely and properly guided therapy and infection control strategies.