Research and Development
Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts a grouping of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. (Magnification: 20,000)
Image Credit: Janice Carr, Image Source: CDC/PHIL
The reference laboratory has a continuing commitment to research and development activities relevant to the work of the laboratory. Collaborative work with microbiologists, infection-control nurses, scientists and biomedical scientists in referring hospitals and other centres is actively sought.
Research and Development Program
- Epidemiology of MRSA in Scotland. Monitoring the emergence and spread of epidemic strains of MRSA in Scotland, including detailed characterisation of strains using molecular and phenotyic techniques and surveillance of changes in susceptibility to antibiotics.
A valuable collection of over 50,000 MRSA from Scottish hospitals are available for study.
We are currently involved in the government initiated MRSA screening pathfinder project, and its associated special studies - Evaluation of Epidemiological typing methods: New techniques for epidemiological typing studies
will be evaluated for epidemiological studies of MRSA, and for their potential to be used as a typing tool within the SMRSARL.
- Currently being evaluated (in collaboration with a group in Edinburgh) is Multi Locus VNTR Analysis (MLVA).
- We have also been evaluating spa typing as the principal method of typing within the SMRSARL in conjunction with PFGE, MLVA and MLST. Spa typing gives an easily understood typing result for local application, is portable and can be understood within an international context.
- We are collaborating with the University of Edinburgh/Roslin Institute on a project to develop a novel high-resolution genotyping method (namely Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis) for epidemiological and evolutionary analysis of the major Scottish and UK lineages of MRSA.
- We are also interested in SCCmec typing as a method for epidemiological and evolutionary analysis of isolates.
- Staphylococcus Toxins. The prevalence of eight toxin genes in Scottish MRSA and the association with strains and their relative virulence.
- Evaluation of media and latex kits for detecting MRSA screening. We are currently evaluating 2 commercial kits for the rapid detection of MRSA - one using real-time PCR technology, and the other a qualitative test using a dipstick assay for detection of MRSA amplification products.
- Community-Associated MRSA. There is rising concern about MRSA in the Community, especially MRSA that carry the PVL (and other) toxin which are associated with increased virulence and in some cases mortality. It is important to monitor these virulent strains and we would ask laboratories to refer any suspect isolates for testing.
- PCR based identification of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) to the species level. Several PCR based methods for identification of CNS species are being evaluated including ribosomal RNA sequence typing.
- Susceptibility of MRSA to Antiseptics including the ability to detect (by PCR) the presence of qac A, B and C genes.
- MRSA with intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin (VISA). All referred MRSA are screened for intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin. Potential VISAs are further investigated to evaluate the many confirmatory tests that have been proposed.
- Surveillance of MRSA susceptibility to newer antibiotics. A prospective and retrospective screening program is to be undertaken.
Publications and Presentations
Part of the Laboratory's remit is to ensure that the data gathered is shared with appropriate personnel hence by presentations at scientific meetings and publications in peer reviewed scientific journals we seek to present our findings to as wide an audience as possible. Lists of publications and presentations are available in PDF format through the links below. Adobe® Reader® is required to read these lists and can be downloaded through the link below.
2008-9 | 2006-7 | 2005-06 | 2004-5 | 2003-4 | 2002-3 | 2001-2 | 2000-1 | 1998-2000
