Surrogate marker for MRSA detection is ?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of a surrogate marker for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) detection. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, and its detection is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is D. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a typing method used to identify MRSA strains. However, a more commonly used surrogate marker for MRSA is the gene encoding the PBP2a protein, specifically the mecA gene. The mecA gene is a genetic determinant of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. The detection of the mecA gene is often used as a surrogate marker for MRSA detection, as it is a reliable indicator of methicillin resistance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not a surrogate marker for MRSA detection.
* **Option B:** This option is not a surrogate marker for MRSA detection.
* **Option C:** This option is not a surrogate marker for MRSA detection.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The mecA gene is a key determinant of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, and its detection is a crucial step in identifying MRSA isolates. This knowledge is essential for infection control and prevention in healthcare settings.
**Correct Answer:** D. mecA gene