Specific Recognition and Detection of MRSA Based on Molecular Probes Comprised of Lytic Phage and Antibody

Abstract

Methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are implicated in serious infections and nosocomial outbreaks. MRSA show resistance to a wide range of antibiotics thus limiting the treatment options. Therefore, rapid detection of MRSA is of key importance in prevention and diagnosis of infections caused by antibiotic resistant S. aureus. Currently existing methods of MRSA detection have some limitations and lack sensitivity or specificity. We examined a new approach in specific recognition and detection of MRSA, including identification of bacteria together with conformation of MRSA in real time. For this purpose we use a newly isolated S.aureus bacteriophage with a wide spectrum of hosts (including MRSA strains) together with monoclonal antibody against a penicillin-binding protein (PBP 2a). PBP 2a is a cell wall protein and it is responsible for antibiotic resistivity of MRSA. We showed that simultaneous recognition of Staphylococcus bacteria and PBP 2a protein increases specificity and reliability of MRSA detection.