Research Article
New method for typing Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin based on sulphur-35 methionine labelled proteins: its application in an outbreak.
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986; 293 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.293.6547.581 (Published 06 September 1986) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986;293:581- J R Stephenson,
- S J Crook,
- S Tabaqchali
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.