Role of Xpert PCR kit in estimating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in teaching tertiary level hospital in Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background: The colonization of MRSA increases therisk of MRSA infection, making it crucial to identify colonized patients accurately and rapidly. The conventional culture-based method for detecting MRSA colonization has limitations in terms of sensitivity and turnaround time, leading to delayed implementation of infection control measures. A rapid PCR-based method can provide accurate results within a few hours and may help in identifying colonized patients promptly. Materials and Methods: Nasal and skin swab specimens were collected from all patients admitted to medical/surgical units of the Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st April 2022 to 31st December 2022 for culture-based and PCR-based MRSA detection (MRSA Xpert). Results: Culture identified 10.9% MRSA positive specimens whereas Xpert MRSA assay showed 100% sensitivity and 95.4% specificity. Conclusion: Our set of specimens showed a high correlation between culture-based and molecular-based methods for detecting MRSA.