Table 2.

Multiplex PCR for the identification and characterization of MRSA.

Method	Gene	Specimen	Sensitivity	Specificity	Time	Reference
multiplex PCR-immunoassay	mecA and femB	screening swabs	NA	NA	24 h	[76]
Multiplex PCR	280-bp nuc-based fragment,533-bp mecA-based fragment, mecA, mecC, femB,16S rRNA, nuc	isolates	100%	98%-100%	3h, 5h	[16, 23, 19, 21, 77]
Quadriplex PCR	16S rRNA, nuc, mecA and mupA	isolates	100%	100%	NA	[25]
multiplex PCR	femA and mecA	endotracheal aspirates	NA	NA	> 6 h	[18]
multiplex PCR	S. aureus species-specific and mecA gene segments	Nasal swabs	96.5%	100%	within 24 h	[78]
triplex qPCR	mecA, femA	clinical swabs	100%	64%	> 6 h	[20]