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Survival of MRSA on sterile goods packaging
1Working Group Technical Hygiene, Free University of Berlin, Germany. BeateDietze@t-online.de
Abstract:
For many years, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has been a world-wide problem. Stringent infection control regimens need to be followed to prevent spread. One such measure is the disposal of unused, MRSA-contaminated single-use items, which is quite expensive. An alternative, less costly measure is to store these items temporarily, re-using them once the organism is non-viable. To establish survival times of MRSA on sterile goods packaging, paper and foil samples were contaminated with MRSA (approximately 10(8)-10(9) cfu/sample). The number of pathogens recoverable from the samples was measured at defined times. MRSA was demonstrated to survive on sterile goods packaging for more than 38 weeks. No MRSA was recoverable after 50 weeks. Temporary storage of MRSA-contaminated single-use items for such a long period of time is not an appropriate or reliable means of decontamination, but many be considered for items that would be costly to replace.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) survived on sterile packaging for over 38 weeks. Long-term storage is not a reliable decontamination method but may be considered for costly items.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Infection Control
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Stringent infection control measures are essential to prevent MRSA transmission.
- Disposal of contaminated single-use items is costly, prompting exploration of alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival duration of MRSA on sterile goods packaging.
- To evaluate the feasibility of temporary storage as a cost-saving decontamination strategy.
Main Methods:
- Sterile goods packaging, paper, and foil samples were artificially contaminated with MRSA.
- Pathogen viability was assessed at various time points post-contamination.
- MRSA survival rates were quantified over extended storage periods.
Main Results:
- MRSA remained viable on sterile goods packaging for over 38 weeks.
- No viable MRSA was detected after 50 weeks of storage.
- Survival times varied depending on the packaging material.
Conclusions:
- Temporary storage of MRSA-contaminated items is not a suitable decontamination method.
- Extended storage may be considered for high-cost, low-risk items where replacement is prohibitive.