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DNA Testing for MRSA and VRE

MRSA and VRE are two of the most virile and deadly bacteria to enter hospital and health care settings. Identifying and controlling the spread of these bacterial organisms is a primary concern to overall hospital and patient safety. DNA testing methods are designed to identify their presence and provide information as to how these organisms develop in the body.

  1. DNA Testing

    • DNA testing models are used to identify MRSA and VRE bacteria within clinical and laboratory settings. These procedures enable technicians to examine DNA molecules and the effects these bacteria have on them, according to the Human Genome Project. Also known as molecular diagnostic tests, these methods provide a fast and accurate means for identifying MRSA and VRE outbreaks. The earlier these bacteria are identified, the better chance a hospital or health care facility has of preventing an outbreak.

    MRSA and VRE

    • MRSA and VRE are bacterial organisms known for their ability to resist antibiotic treatments. Both bacteria types can potentially develop into full-fledged infections that are transmitted by skin-to-skin or skin-to-surface contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Hospitals and health care facilities can easily become breeding grounds, leading to an overall outbreak of these infections within a population. When MRSA or VRE go undetected, these organisms can eventually take over a person's immune system to the point where death is possible. DNA testings or screenings provide one way in which these infections can be identified and controlled.

    Superbugs

    • "Superbugs" such as MRSA and VRE are bacterial infections known for their ability to resist antibiotic treatments like penicillin, tetracycline, and Cipro, according to the "GI Health Newsletter." This resistance is transferred to newly formed bacteria cells, which can reproduce as fast as every 20 minutes. DNA testing can help with identifying how these organisms adapt to and resist antibiotic treatments.

    Testing Methods

    • The more commonly used DNA testing methods involve placing a human sample--be it skin cells or a swab from the mouth--in a culture designed to develop bacterial organisms. Once the bacteria develop, technicians can identify what types of organisms are involved. This method can take anywhere from three to five days to produce results, according to the "GI Health Newsletter."

      PCR testing--also known as polymerase chain reaction--is another type of DNA testing method. PCR-based tests work directly with the DNA material within a bacteria, or host cell, according to the "GI Health Newsletter." These tests are designed to amplify specific regions along a DNA chain, which allows technicians to identify bacteria-ridden cells. This testing method is more expensive, although results can be obtained in as quickly as two hours.

    Potential

    • New methods for detecting MRSA and VRE infections work to reduce the amount of time needed to obtain results, according to Lab Tests Online. Newer PCR-based tests are designed to identify the specific genes that play a part in how bacteria adapt and mutate. One such gene, called mecA, has been identified as a key factor in resisting antibiotics such as methicillin, oxacillin, and nafcillin. As bacteria organisms are known for their fast multiplication rates, quick and accurate test results are needed to prevent potential outbreaks from occurring.

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