[Typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains for epidemiological studies using the polymerase chain reaction].

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting can be used to gain insight into the epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

DESIGN

Retrospective DNA analysis of MRSA strains. BACTERIAL STRAINS: MRSA strains were collected in two Dutch and one Belgian hospital (Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft; St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein; St. Jan Ziekenhuis, Brugge).

METHODOLOGY

MRSA DNA was isolated by standard procedures. Differences in genomic organisation were detected with the aid of exponential enzymatic synthesis of intrinsically variable DNA domains. This so-called PCR fingerprinting, a relatively new technique, was performed in direct comparison with phage typing. The latter is the current golden standard for S. aureus typing.

RESULTS

The results of both PCR fingerprinting and phage typing appeared to be useful for strain identification. All results were consistent with other epidemiological data.

CONCLUSION

Genotyping MRSA with PCR fingerprinting is complementary to phage typing. In some instances PCR fingerprinting is even to be preferred to the other technique. PCR fingerprinting is well suited for the analysis of MRSA spreading.