DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF CHROMAGAR FOR THE DIRECT DETECTION OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)
The current study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Chromagar for the direct detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A study at King Edward Medical University Lahore involved 56 specimens from patients' skin, soft tissue, and wounds. Staphylococcus detection was performed using blood agar, Methicillin disc, and Chromagr plate. The study assessed Chromagar's diagnostic accuracy. Data entry and analysis was done by using computers software SPSS 17.0. Quantitative variables were presented by using mean±SD and qualitative variables were presented by using frequency tables and percentages. Diagnostic accuracy of Chromagar was determined by calculating Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value and Negative predictive value. The study involved 56 patients, with a majority being male (55.4%) and female (44.6%). Out of the 56 specimens, 56.1% were positive. 48.2% were confirmed MRSA, while 51.8% were other bacteria. Chromagar detected 46.4% of MRSA, 53.6% were other bacteria, and 2 false positives. The study concluded that chromagar had high diagnostic accuracy. Study concluded that diagnostic accuracy of chromagar is very high for the direct detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, chromagar should routinely be used for the diagnosis and screening of MRSA at health care facilities.
