Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for Simultaneous Identification of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Strains USA300 and USA400 and Detection of <i>mecA</i> and Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Genes, with Discrimination of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> from Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

Abstract

We developed a novel multiplex PCR assay for rapid identification and discrimination of the USA300 and USA400 strains and concomitant detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes, with simultaneous discrimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains, S. aureus strains from coagulase-negative staphylococci, and staphylococci from other bacteria.