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Evaluation of bedmaking-related airborne and surface methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination
T Shiomori1, H Miyamoto, K Makishima
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Abstract:
The number of airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) before, during and after bedmaking was investigated. Air was sampled with an Andersen air sampler in the rooms of 13 inpatients with MRSA infection or colonization. Sampling of surfaces, including floors and bedsheets, was performed by stamp methods. MRSA-containing particles were isolated on all the sampler stages-stage 1 (>7 microm diameter) to stage 6 (0.65-1.1 microm). The MRSA-containing particles were mostly 2-3 microm diameter before bedmaking and >5 microm during bedmaking. The number was significantly higher 15 min after bedmaking than during the resting period, but the differences in counts after 30 and 60 min were not significant. MRSA was detected on many surfaces. The results suggest that MRSA was recirculated in the air, especially after movement. To prevent airborne transmission, healthcare staff should exercise great care to disinfect inanimate environments. Further studies will be needed to confirm the level of MRSA contamination of air during bedmaking and establish measures for prevention of airborne transmission.
Insights
Bedmaking significantly increases airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) particles, especially those larger than 5 micrometers. Healthcare staff must disinfect surfaces to prevent MRSA
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Environmental Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant healthcare-associated infection risk.
- Understanding airborne transmission of MRSA is crucial for effective infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) levels before, during, and after bedmaking.
- To investigate the size distribution of MRSA-containing airborne particles.
- To assess MRSA contamination on environmental surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using an Andersen air sampler in rooms of 13 MRSA-infected/colonized inpatients.
- Surface sampling via stamp methods.
- Isolation and characterization of MRSA-containing particles across sampler stages.
Main Results:
- MRSA particles were detected across all Andersen sampler stages (0.65-1.1 µm to >7 µm).
- Particle size increased from 2-3 µm pre-bedmaking to >5 µm during bedmaking.
- Airborne MRSA counts were significantly higher 15 minutes post-bedmaking compared to resting periods.
Conclusions:
- Bedmaking activities can recirculate MRSA into the air, particularly larger particles.
- Environmental surface contamination with MRSA is common.
- Strict disinfection protocols for inanimate environments are essential to mitigate airborne MRSA transmission.