Comparison of rapid latex and conventional methods for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus
Chen, C.H.; Chou, M.Y.
Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui 32(5): 297-302
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6578 PMID: 1776459 Document Number: 377696
Rapid latex agglutination assay, staphaurex (Wellcome Diagnostics) was compared with the tube coagulase, thermo-stable nuclease, deoxyribonuclease and mannitol fermentation test for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 277 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 201 Staphylococcus epidermidis, and 25 Staphylococcus saprophyticus were tested. The results showed that sensitivities were: staphaurex, 99.6%; rabbit plasma, 99.6%; human plasma, 99.2%; thermostable nuclease, 100%; deoxyribonuclease, 100%; mannitol fermentation, 98.9%; as for specificities results showed: staphaurex, 96.6%; rabbit plasma 100%; human plasma, 100%; thermo-stable nuclease, 98.7%; deoxyribonuclease 95.7%; mannitol fermentation, 91.1%; respectively. In our study, staphaurex is recommended because it is simple to operate, save in time and economic in cost.