The new AdvanDx mecA XpressFISH assay, exclusively available in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, is the first and only molecular assay that detects the active resistance gene (mecA) from positive Staphylococcus aureus blood cultures.

It provides results one to three days sooner than conventional methods, allowing for early and appropriate therapy for patients with methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S.aureus (MSSA) infections. Differentiation also enables de-escalation of vancomycin treatment for patients with MSSA infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common antimicrobial resistant pathogens and can lead to increased hospital costs and extra length of stay. Methicillin-resistance is almost exclusively caused by the presence and expression of the mecA gene that encodes a unique penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) with low affinity for methicillin and other β-lactam drugs. The new mecA XpressFISH assay reliably and rapidly provides a positive identification of MRSA by confirming mecA gene expression with greater than 98% sensitivity and specificity. 

mecA XpressFISH detects active transcription of the mecA gene. The protocol requires only 15 minutes hands on time and gives a result in just one hour compared to two days using conventional methods. It is based on the proven, reliable PNA-FISH technology from AdvanDX and requires no complex, expensive equipment. The kit provides the ideal companion to the QuickFISH 20 minute Staphylococcus assay that provides the initial species identification from positive blood cultures.

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