Fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool for differentiating methicillin resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a potential diagnostic tool for the characterization and differentiation of microbial species. This research article explores the potential of Fluorescence spectroscopy to differentiate Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) based on their unique spectral features. MRSA infections are more challenging to treat so their rapid and accurate identification can ensure timely administration of required antibiotics, thus countering the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. In this study 101 clinical isolates of MRSA and MSSA were used to validate fluorescence emission spectral fingerprints. Fluorescence spectra for each of these isolates were obtained by excitation of bacterial colony at 405 nm. The emission spectra of both phenotypes were clearly differentiated by their emission bands at 510 and 550 nm. Furthermore, Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to further highlight spectral variations, which showed a good reproducibility among the emission spectra of same bacterial strains. In conclusion, Fluorescence spectroscopy has proved to be a reproducible and effective tool for up to 100% accurate differentiation of MRSA and MSSA isolates, offering a rapid, simple and convenient approach that would reduce the time as well as cost for detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus species.