Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
High prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on doctors' neckties
1Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical School, International Medical University, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. kweechoy_koh@imu.edu.my
Abstract:
We set out to investigate whether neckties worn by doctors are more likely to be contaminated with Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compared to neckties worn by preclinical medical undergraduates who have never been exposed to a hospital environment. We discovered that more than half (52%) of neckties worn by doctors were contaminated with Staphylococcus and out of these, 62% of them were identified as MRSA. In contrast, none of the student's ties were contaminated with MRSA. Due to the high prevalence of staphylococcus detected on doctors' neckties, we recommend that health care workers do not wear neckties.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Mismatch Repair
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...