ISSN:
1572-9699
Keywords:
pyrolysis mass spectrometry
;
nosocomial infection
;
Staphylococcus aureus
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Pyrolysis mass spectrometry was used to characterise Staphylococcus aureus isolates from an outbreak of post-operative wound infections on a mixed surgical ward. The PyMS results were compared with those of phage typing. Both suggested a single strain of S. aureus, of phage type 3C, 55,71, was responsible for six of the 13 wound infections. PyMS differentiated an isolate from a member of staff of similar phage type to the epidemic strain, which had previously been considered to be the point source for the outbreak. PyMS is a rapid and inexpensive technique for investigating nosocomial outbreaks, including those caused by S. aureus and, in this instance, was more discriminatory than phage typing.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1001780407425
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