Rapid and direct detection of MRSA in nasal swabs

Screening for colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] is a key aspect of infection control to limit the nosocomial spread of this organism. Current methods for the detection of MRSA in clinical microbiology laboratories, including molecularly based techniques, require a culture step and the isolation of pure colonies with minimum 24 hours until a result is known. In this study we tried the use of a newly issue system Gen X pert MRSA Assay system with a real-time PCR concept to directly detect MRSA in nasal swabs. The results were compared to that of the culture method. The sensitivity and specificity of that system were 88% and 99%