Which gene is targeted to identify methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

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Multiple Choice

Which gene is targeted to identify methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is driven by the mecA gene, which encodes the altered penicillin-binding protein PBP2a that has a very low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics. Detecting mecA (for example, by PCR) directly identifies MRSA, since its presence indicates this resistance mechanism. While mecC is a related gene found in some strains, and vanA and gyrA confer resistance to other drugs (vancomycin and fluoroquinolones, respectively), they do not define methicillin resistance. That makes mecA the primary target for identifying MRSA.

Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is driven by the mecA gene, which encodes the altered penicillin-binding protein PBP2a that has a very low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics. Detecting mecA (for example, by PCR) directly identifies MRSA, since its presence indicates this resistance mechanism. While mecC is a related gene found in some strains, and vanA and gyrA confer resistance to other drugs (vancomycin and fluoroquinolones, respectively), they do not define methicillin resistance. That makes mecA the primary target for identifying MRSA.

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