Development and Evaluation of a Sensitive Bacteriophage-Based MRSA Diagnostic Screen.

Engineered luciferase reporter bacteriophages provide specific, sensitive, rapid and low-cost detection of target bacteria and address growing diagnostic needs in multiple industries. Detection of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) nasal colonization and antibiotic susceptibility play a critical supportive role in preventing hospital-acquired infections and facilitating antibiotic stewardship. We describe the development and evaluation of a novel phage-based MRSA diagnostic screen for nasal swab specimens.