MRSA Screening Swab Test Price in Khandagiri

Test Description

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) screening swab detects carriage of MRSA in clinical settings to prevent healthcare-associated transmission. S. aureus colonizes the nares, skin, axillae, and perineum of approximately 30% of the general population, with MRSA accounting for 1–3% of community carriers. Nasal MRSA colonization is the primary reservoir for subsequent infection. Standard MRSA screening swabs are taken from the anterior nares (primary site), throat, groin/perineum, axillae, and any wounds or skin lesions. MRSA is distinguished from methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) by the presence of the mecA gene (or mecC) encoding an altered penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) with low affinity for all beta-lactam antibiotics. Detection methods: conventional culture on chromogenic MRSA agar (48–72 hours) or rapid PCR (1–3 hours) targeting the mecA gene junction with the staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCCmec) integrated into the S. aureus chromosome. MRSA causes severe infections including bacteremia, pneumonia, deep soft tissue infections, and prosthetic device infections with limited treatment options (vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, ceftaroline).