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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on inanimate objects in an Urban Emergency Department
Jonathan Kei1, John R Richards
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.
Background:
There is a rising prevalence of both hospital-acquired and community-associated strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Both strains are found in patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs).
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to identify objects in the ED that might contribute to the spread of MRSA.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional prevalence study in which culture swabs were taken from 20 different objects in a large urban ED between May and August 2006. The objects were identified a priori, and included common items found in an ED. Items ranging from computers to telephones, desktop surfaces, security door keypads, and ultrasound probes were included in the study. Each item was cultured twice, on separate days, for a total of 40 samples. The samples were screened for the presence of MRSA, and positive samples underwent additional susceptibility analysis.
Results:
Only one sample of 40, from the ambulance bay security door keypad, was positive for MRSA. Thus, the prevalence of MRSA was 2.5%. The single strain isolated was resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin, oxacillin, and penicillin.
Conclusion:
MRSA does not seem to thrive on inanimate objects found in the ED. Routine cleaning measures in an urban ED must include all areas of medical personnel use, including areas outside of the department utilized by non-ED workers.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rarely spreads via inanimate objects in emergency departments (EDs). A study found MRSA on only one surface, suggesting routine cleaning should encompass all staff-used areas.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rising prevalence of hospital-acquired and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
- Both MRSA strains are frequently encountered in emergency department (ED) patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common objects within the ED environment that may contribute to MRSA transmission.
- Investigate the potential role of fomites in MRSA spread within healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional prevalence study conducted in a large urban ED.
- Culture swabs collected from 20 distinct objects (e.g., computers, phones, keypads, probes) over four months.
- Each object sampled twice, with positive MRSA samples undergoing susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- MRSA was detected in only one of 40 samples, yielding a prevalence of 2.5%.
- The sole positive sample originated from an ambulance bay security door keypad.
- The isolated MRSA strain exhibited resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, oxacillin, and penicillin.
Conclusions:
- Inanimate objects in the ED appear to be a minor reservoir for MRSA.
- Effective MRSA control necessitates comprehensive cleaning protocols covering all areas of staff activity, including those outside the ED.
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