dog and cat assay data sheet

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) PCR test for pets

Test code: B0069 - Ultrasensitive qualitative differentiation of methicillin-resistant Staph aureus by real time PCR. This test differentiates methicillin-resistant from non-methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus.

NOTE: studies have shown that resistance to methicillin is due to the presence of the mec A gene. While almost all methicillin resistant S. aureus bacteria carry the mec A gene, this gene has also been reported in some other coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates and other bacteria. PCR detection of the mec A gene is a rapid way of confirming methicillin resistance and thus guides the treatment regimen, but culture detection may also be needed if differentiation of S. aureus from other species is necessary in addition to detection of methicillin resistance.

In the past forty years, Staphylococcus aureus, a common inhabitant of human skin, has become a serious public health concern because some strains of this bacterium have acquired methicillin resistance. MRSA, often referred to as a “superbug,” is resistant to an entire class of antibiotics called beta-lactams, including penicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, methicillin and other penicillin-like drugs, which are widely used to treat bacterial infections.

About one-third of the world’s population carries non-methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteria, primarily in the nose and on the skin. The bacteria are often present without causing active infection. Of people carrying S. aureus, about 1 percent have MRSA strains, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pets are a significant reservoir of MRSA infection and can spread MRSA-related dermatitis to humans. Recent studies have shown that transmission of MRSA infections between pets and humans is increasing, most commonly in the form of skin infections.  Additionally, MRSA can get into the human body through dog or cat bites or scratches. Because these bacteria are so resistant to antibiotic treatment, patients with compromised immune systems can die from these infections.

Detection of MRSA by culture is not very sensitive. PCR detection of methicillin resistance is rapid and sensitive, and is specific for methicillin-resistant strains of bacteria.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of infection
• Ensure that animal facilities are free of MRSA
• Early prevention of spread of MRSA among a facility
• Minimize human exposure to MRSA
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from susceptible animals

References:
AVMA Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (2009) Education is key to combating rise in MRSA. Veterinary clinics, pet owners can help prevent transmission among species. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 234: 187, 190.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/antimicrobialResistance/Examples/mrsa/

Specimen requirements: Nasal swab, or oral swab, or skin swab, or environmental swab, or 0.5 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or 0.2 ml fresh, frozen or fixed tissue.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected