MRSA Detection Primers Targeting SCCmec orfX Boundary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains using nucleic acid amplification reactions fail to detect newly identified types due to false-negative results, as they analyze a region resembling methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains, leading to incorrect differentiation and potential fatal consequences.

Innovation Solution

A method involving primers that target a unique genetic element within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) sequence adjacent to the chromosomal orfX sequence, specifically amplifying a sequence region associated with MRSA strains, even when it is separated by a MSSA sequence region, to reliably detect MRSA strains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing MRSA detection methods analyze the boundary region between SCCmec and orfX sequences, then they can detect traditional MRSA strains, but they produce false-negative results for newly identified MRSA types that have MSSA-like sequence regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidability to detect diverse MRSA strain types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameters by identifying and targeting a novel genetic element within the SCCmec cassette that is specific to certain MRSA strains. Instead of using the traditional boundary region between SCCmec and orfX, the method detects a unique genetic element that appears in newly identified MRSA types, thereby changing the detection target parameter to improve reliability across diverse strain types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a detection method that can universally detect both traditional MRSA strains and newly identified types. By designing primers and probes that target the novel genetic element found in various MRSA strain types, the method achieves multi-functionality in detecting diverse MRSA populations without producing false-negative results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If detection methods use primers targeting the boundary between SCCmec and orfX, then the method is simple and specific, but it fails to detect MRSA strains with MSSA-like sequence insertions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecificity of detectionVSAvoidfalse-negative rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the detection target from the traditional SCCmec-orfX boundary region and focuses instead on a novel genetic element within the SCCmec cassette. This extraction of the detection target allows the method to maintain specificity while avoiding the false-negative problem caused by MSSA-like sequence insertions at the boundary region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the SCCmec cassette into distinct regions for analysis, identifying a specific novel genetic element within it that can be independently targeted. By segmenting the detection focus from the entire boundary region to a specific genetic element within SCCmec, the method achieves both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the reliable detection of MRSA strains that were previously undetectable, reducing false-negative results and improving diagnostic accuracy, thereby enhancing patient safety and public health outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a sample with a first primer (12) and a second primer (14), of which at least one hybridizes with the second region (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Implementation Method 2

detecting a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain or genetic material thereof in a sample by a nucleic acid amplification reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP4289972A1Method for detecting methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 CONGEN BIOTECH
  • EP4289972A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4289972A1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4289972A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method to detect a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain or genetic material thereof in a sample by a nucleic acid amplification reaction, by detecting target sequences of a staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). Related oligonucleotides, primers, probes, oligonucleotide sets and kits are also provided.