NAU: New Way to Detect Staph Infections Discovered

Northern Arizona University researchers say they've discovered a new way to detect staph infections, including the deadly antibiotic resistant varieties.

The new diagnostic tool, they tell radio station KNAU, identifies infections inside biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms bound together inside the body.

The researchers say biofilms cause more than 70 percent of community- and hospital-acquired infections.

NAU associate professor Jeff Leid says the new device will help physicians diagnose the staph infections more quickly.

Leid and his team of researchers are waiting for a patent on their discovery so it can be implemented in health care settings.