Comparison of Chromogenic Media to BD GeneOhm Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) PCR for Detection of MRSA in Nasal Swabs

Abstract

To select a method for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nasal swabs, we compared BD GeneOhm MRSA PCR and various culture media (mannitol salt agar with cefoxitin, MRSA Select , CHROMagar MRSA, and Spectra MRSA). While PCR detection of MRSA was more rapid, MRSA Select and Spectra MRSA demonstrated performance equivalent to that of PCR with maximal detection at 24 h.