Disclosed are compositions, methods and systems for detecting MRSA, for example MRSA nasal
colonization. In certain embodiments, the methods use
bacteriophage-based amplification of the
signal in detection of
bacteria and other microorganisms to detect MRSA. The methods for detecting MRSA may include preparing an
assay comprising a selective agent and a cocktail comprising at least two different types of recombinant bacteriophages, incubating the sample in the
assay, capturing an indicator
protein product, and detecting an indicator
protein product produced by the recombinant
bacteriophage, wherein positive detection of the indicator
protein product indicates that MRSA is present in the sample.