HardyCHROM MRSA/HardyCHROM Staph aureus is recommended for the isolation, differentiation, and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus by colony color.
- Rapid and reliable detection of S. aureus from both clinical and food specimens
- Detect most MRSA strains within 24 hours
- Can also be utilized in spread plate enumeration techniques
HardyCHROM MRSA side: Recommended for use in the qualitative detection of nasal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive, coagulase-positive cocci that has been well documented as a human pathogen. S. aureus has also been implicated in nosocomial infections and food poisoning outbreaks. Many S. aureus strains produce enterotoxins that cause food poisoning when ingested. Food poisoning, bacteremia, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, and meningitis are some of the more serious infections that can be caused by S. aureus.
HardyCHROM™ Staph aureus allows for the rapid and reliable detection of S. aureus from both clinical and food specimens within 24 hours. Peptones in the medium supply the necessary nutrients. Selective agents inhibit the growth of gram-negative organisms, yeast, and some gram-positive cocci. Artificial substrates (chromogens) are broken down by specific microbial enzymes which release insoluble colored compounds. S. aureus uses only one of the chromogens and will produce deep pink to fuchsia colored colonies. Bacteria other than S. aureus may utilize the other chromogenic substrates and produce blue or turquoise colonies. If none of the substrates are utilized, natural or white colored colonies will be present. This medium can also be utilized in spread plate enumeration techniques.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to be a major cause of nosocomial and life threatening infections. The prevalence of MRSA within hospital environments (Hospital Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA)) and within the community (Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)) continues to increase. Infections with MRSA have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. Screening programs have been implemented in most health care settings to identify potential reservoirs so that necessary procedures can be implemented to prevent the spread of MRSA.
