Open AccessA comparison of three semi-selective media for the isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Author(s) -
Janet L. Allen,
Malcolm Cowan,
P. M. Cockroft
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of medical microbiology/journal of medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1473-5644
pISSN - 0022-2615
DOI - 10.1099/00222615-40-2-98
Subject(s) - isolation (microbiology) , staphylococcus aureus , microbiology and biotechnology , outbreak , methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus , antibiotics , population , antibiotic sensitivity , biology , infection control , medicine , bacteria , virology , intensive care medicine , environmental health , genetics
During the 1980s the emergence of multiple antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus posed new problems for infection control worldwide, many of which still remain. In investigations of outbreaks of infection, the laboratory has a key role in identifying infected or colonised patients and staff. The rapid isolation and accurate identification of the causative organisms are essential for the implementation of appropriate control measures. Speed and accuracy in identification, by colonial morphology, is often difficult to achieve in the presence of a mixed population of commensal bacteria. To this end, the sensitivity of three media for the isolation of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from simulated clinical specimens was compared. Initial colonial recognition of MRSA was enhanced on methicillin-milk agar when compared with that on other media.