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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Public computer surfaces are reservoirs for methicillin-resistant staphylococci
Issmat I Kassem1, Von Sigler, Malak A Esseili
1Laboratory for Microbial Ecology, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
The ISME Journal
|November 29, 2007
Summary
Computer keyboards in a university setting harbor antibiotic-resistant staphylococci, including MRSA. This contamination highlights a potential risk for pathogen transmission within the community.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains, are significant human pathogens.
- Shared computer keyboards in public spaces may act as reservoirs for microbial contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate computer keyboards as potential reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant staphylococci.
- To identify specific antibiotic-resistant staphylococci species present on university keyboards.
- To assess the implications of keyboard contamination for community pathogen transmission.
Main Methods:
- Swab samples were collected from 24 computer keyboards used by university students.
- Isolates were screened for resistance to oxacillin (a marker for methicillin resistance).
- Biochemical and genetic analyses were used to identify staphylococci species and confirm resistance.
Main Results:
- 17 out of 24 keyboards (71%) were contaminated with staphylococci resistant to oxacillin.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), and Staphylococcus hominis (MRSH) were identified.
- Multiple resistant strains co-contaminated a single keyboard, indicating a diverse resistant bacterial community.
Conclusions:
- University computer keyboards serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant staphylococci.
- The presence of MRSA and other resistant staphylococci on keyboards poses a potential public health risk.
- Keyboard contamination may contribute to the broader transmission and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the community.
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