Evaluación de una prueba rápida para la detección de PBP2a en Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen causing both health-careassociated and community-acquired infection. Rapid and accurate detection of this pathogen is crucial for the use of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and the control of nosocomial spread. METHODS: A total of 107 S. aureus strains were assayed for methicillin resistance: Vitek2® (bioMérieux), CHROMagarTM MRSA II (BD Becton Dickinson), disk diffusion in agar for cefoxitin 30 μg and immunochromatography PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test (Alere(TM)). The results of conventional tests were compared with the “gold standard” PCR test for mecA gene. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity were: disk diffusion for cefoxitin 100% and 100% respectively, Vitek2® 100 and 100%, CHROMagarTM MRSA II 100 and 96%, and ICPBP2a detection 98,25% and 100%. CONCLUSION: ICPBP2a Culture Colony Test (Alere(TM)) is fast, efficient and economical technique for detection of penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a) from isolates. This assay is a useful tool for the management of hospital outbreaks.