Rapid MRSA Test Evaluated

Wayne State University (WSU) researchers are evaluating the reliability of the 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA Test, a product of 3M. The test is designed to confirm the presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a patient's body. Culture methods currently used for the detection of MRSA take several days to deliver results. The new test would only take five hours.

The WSU research team is led by Professor Michael Rybak, PharmD, MPH, associate dean of research at WSU Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Services. The WSU study is part of a multicenter investigation of the rapid test's performance. The test is awaiting FDA approval in the United States. The Rapid Test has been used in the United Kingdom since February 2006, and most of Europe since April 2007.

25 to 30 percent of the population carries Staphylococcus aureus in their nasal passages, where it is harmless. However, once it enters the body in other areas, it can lead to MRSA. First warning signs of MRSA are often small wounds that do not heal, a boil or rash that does not disappear, or a cough that does not improve. MRSA is spread through contact with an infected person, by either touching the person or an object the person has touched. It can also be spread through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, proper hygiene is of utmost importance to avoid contracting the disease.

MRSA can be harmless, but can develop in a serious and life-threatening infection that cannot be treated with penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics. Fifty years of generous use of general antibiotics have caused this particular type of bacteria to become resistant to them. However, there are still treatment methods available with stronger antibiotic versions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to detect the presence of MRSA early to avoid serious complications or even death.

The WSU study is performed at the Detroit Medical Center. The study compares the 3M BacLite Rapid MRSA Test to traditional culture methods. For this purpose, samples are collected from patients to see, if the Rapid Test is reliable in detecting MRSA in a patient. The traditional methods can take at least 48 hours to provide results. The Rapid Test would only take only 5 hours.

The time-saving the Rapid Test would provide in the MRSA detection is crucial. The earlier MRSA is detected, the earlier treatment can start. The bacteria would have less time to spread throughout the body. Any treatment method applied to fight MRSA would be more effective and more serious damage to the patient's body through the MRSA infection could be avoided. Ultimately, the faster test method could be life-saving.