The first rapid latex test to be approved for the confirmation of resistance in both staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci
The Oxoid PBP2' test has received FDA approval for the identification of MRSA and MRCoNS, making this the first rapid latex test to be approved for the confirmation of resistance in both staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci. Confirming the presence of penicillin binding protein (PBP2' - the protein encoded by the MecA gene) by latex agglutination is an accurate and reliable method for detecting oxacillin/methicillin resistance, with the PBP2' test demonstrating 100% accuracy compared to PCR.
Furthermore, PBP2' is much quicker and easier to perform than genotypic tests, yielding clearly visible results in just a few minutes.
On evaluating the test in the United States, Mary York, a highly respected opinion leader in the field of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, commented, "I'm very excited about this new method.
I would see Oxoid PBP2' being used either as a confirmatory test or a rapid test to get the patient on the right antibiotics." Oxoid PBP2' conforms to the NCCLS guidelines for the detection of oxacillin resistance (M100-S12).
