New method for typing Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin based on sulphur-35 methionine labelled proteins: its application in an outbreak. Issue 6547 (6th September 1986)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stephenson, J R; Crook, S J; Tabaqchali, S
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 293:Issue 6547(1986)
• Page Start: 581
• Page End: 583
• Publication Date: 1986-09-06
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.293.6547.581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of sulphur-35 methionine labelled cellular proteins of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin was used as a typing method during an outbreak on a cardiothoracic ward. This showed that the outbreak strain was indistinguishable from the epidemic strain of methicillin resistant S aureus prevalent in London. In contrast, 44 epidemiologically separate strains of S aureus gave individually distinct radiolabelled protein profiles. This method permitted rapid confirmation that an epidemic strain was responsible and indicated the need for urgent control measures.