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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Egg crater mattresses: a deposit of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus?]

Adriano Menis Ferreira1, Denise de Andrade, Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida

  • 1Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. a.amr@ig.com.br

Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P
|March 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hospital egg crater mattresses frequently harbor Staphylococcus aureus, including dangerous methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). While washing reduces bacterial counts, MRSA persists, posing an infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Healthcare-Associated Infections

Context:

  • Hospital-acquired infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
  • Egg crater mattresses are commonly used patient support surfaces.
  • Microbial contamination of medical equipment can facilitate pathogen transmission.

Purpose:

  • To assess the microbiological contamination of hospital egg crater mattresses.
  • To detect the presence and prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • To identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on these surfaces.

Summary:

  • Microbiological analysis using Petrifilm plates was conducted on 15 hospital egg crater mattresses.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was detected on 72.2% of sampled locations.
  • Despite washing, 53.3% of mattresses still harbored MRSA, indicating a persistent contamination risk.

Impact:

  • Highlights the potential for egg crater mattresses to serve as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria.
  • Underscores the need for enhanced cleaning protocols to effectively eliminate MRSA.
  • Emphasizes the role of environmental hygiene in breaking the chain of hospital infections.

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