The use of high-resolution melting analysis for rapid spa typing on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates

Jonathan Hon Kwan Chen, Vincent Chi Chung Cheng, Jasper Fuk Woo Chan, Kevin Kin Kwan She, Mei Kum Yan, Miranda Chong Yee Yau, Grace See Wai Kwan, Wing Cheong Yam, Kwok Yung Yuen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been endemic in Hong Kong for three decades. This study evaluated the practical use of high-resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR analysis on MRSA staphylococcal Protein A (spa) typing on local MRSA isolates. Among 55 clinical MRSA isolates collected in 2011, 12 different spa types were observed by the conventional PCR-sequencing method including the locally predominant spa type t1081 and two locally predominant community acquired MRSA spa types t019 and t437. By using the HRM method, it could differentiate all 12 spa genotypes by distinct melting curves and HRM difference plot analysis. These two methods demonstrated 100% concordance whereas the HRM method required only 3. h of turnaround time and one-fifth of reagent cost compared to the conventional method. Our study confirmed that the cost effective and rapid HRM typing approach is practically useful for MRSA community transmission monitoring and nosocomial outbreak control in Hong Kong.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-102
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Microbiological Methods
Volume92
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology (medical)

Keywords

  • Infection control
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Spa type

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