MRSA and the environment: implications for comprehensive control measures
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2008 Feb 14
N. Cimolai1, 2
(1)
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada
(2)
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s and Women’s Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada
Received: 28 September 2007 Accepted: 23 January 2008 Published online: 14 February 2008
Email: ncimolai@interchange.ubc.ca
Abstract
Environmental contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is established soon after colonized or infected patients become resident. There are many studies that detail the mechanisms of spread and environmental survival of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA); this knowledge translates directly into the same findings for MRSA. The potential ubiquity of MRSA in a health-care setting poses challenges for decontamination. Whereas patients and medical staff are important sources for MRSA spread, the environmental burden may contribute significantly in various contexts. Effective control measures must therefore include consideration for MRSA in the environment.
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