A novel multiplex PCR method for detecting the major clonal complexes of MRSA in nasal isolates from a Pennsylvania hospital

A novel multiplex PCR was developed which targeted virulence genes associated with the major clonal complexes (CCs) of healthcare- and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the USA. Most isolates (40/66) were identified as CC 5, while remaining isolates represented CCs 1, 8, 30, 45, 59, 133, and five isolates were not S. aureus.

Research highlights
► Virulence genes were targeted to develop a multiplex PCR for detecting MRSA clonal complexes.
► The M-PCR detected 34 stains in the collection of 82 reference strains and nasal isolates studied.
► A majority of isolates were CC5 common to the northeastern USA, where the study was conducted.
► The M-PCR exhibited a similar discriminatory power as MLST, and should be further studied using a larger sample.