New Test for Staph Infections

A new test has been launched that detects both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

The Staphaurex Plus is a rapid and convenient latex agglutination test that is able to detect MRSA as well as MSSA. The latex particles in Staphaurex Plus are coated with fibrinogen and specific polyclonal antibodies directed towards difficult Staph aureus strains, including MRSA. In the presence of target organisms, the latex particles agglutinate to provide a strong and easily visible positive reaction. In the absence of target organism, the particles remain in smooth suspension. The sensitivity of the test is
> 98% for all S aureus strains.

Everything required to perform the test is provided in the kit, including reaction cards, mixing sticks, and a control latex to eliminate nonspecific agglutination. Kits are available for 150 or 450 tests. The test was developed by Oxoid (Basingstoke, UK).

Oxoid has additional products available for the detection of MRSA. These include a latex agglutination test for the detection of penicillin-binding protein 2 expressed by the MecA gene for resistance in MRSA strains. The Staphytect Plus and Dryspot Staphytcct Plus latex agglutination tests are for the detection of MSSA and MRSA. Oxoid also offers products for screening samples for MRSA and for the detection of MRSA in routine swab samples.




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Oxoid