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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Improved Enzyme Protection Assay to Study Staphylococcus aureus Internalization and Intracellular Efficacy of Antimicrobial Compounds

Improved Enzyme Protection Assay to Study Staphylococcus aureus Internalization and Intracellular Efficacy of Antimicrobial Compounds

Published on: September 8, 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus fomite survival.

Christa Williams¹, Diane L Davis

¹Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Health Sciences Department, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801, USA.

Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology

|April 10, 2009

Summary

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) survived longer than previously thought on surfaces and stethoscopes. Higher initial bacterial loads led to extended MRSA survival on fomites, impacting healthcare hygiene.

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Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus

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Published on: January 17, 2025

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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Published on: September 8, 2021

Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus

Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: January 17, 2025

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Infectious Diseases
Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
Understanding MRSA survival on environmental surfaces (fomites) is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the survival duration of MRSA on common fomites encountered by health science students.
To compare MRSA survival rates using different inoculum types and environmental surfaces.

Main Methods:

MRSA suspensions (0.5 McFarland broth, blood, serum) were inoculated onto glass, vinyl tile, and countertop surfaces.
Environmental surfaces and student stethoscopes were sampled over 60 days using wet swabbing.
MRSA presence was identified using MRSA-selective CHROMagar.

Main Results:

MRSA in broth survived >=60 days on all surfaces.
MRSA in serum survived 41-60 days, while MRSA in blood was undetectable.
15% of student stethoscopes tested positive for MRSA.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated longer MRSA fomite survival than previously reported, particularly with wet swab sampling.
Higher initial MRSA loads correlate with extended survival on environmental surfaces.
Findings highlight the potential for prolonged MRSA transmission via fomites in healthcare settings.