Patent ID: 6156507
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
A method of identifying a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or a methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRC-NS) present, if any, in a biological sample, which comprises the steps of:bringing the biological sample in contact with (a) an oligonucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence specific to a MRSA or MRC-NS to be detected, said nucleic acid sequence included in a mecDNA which is an integrated adventitious DNA existing on a chromosome of said MRSA or MRC-NS and carrying a mecA gene, mecRI/mecI genes, an IS431 insertion element, and inverted repeats at its 5' and 3' ends thereon, and (b) an oligonucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence included in an IntM chromosomal DNA surrounding said mecDNA to form a reaction product of the biological sample and oligonucleotides (a) and (b); andidentifying the MRSA or MRC-NS by detecting said reaction product.