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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Surveillance and evidence of contamination in hospital environment from meticillin and vancomycin-resistant microbial

R Squeri1, O C Grillo, V La Fauci

  • 1Department of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University Hospital G. Martino, Messina, Italy. raffaele.squeri@unime.it

Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
|February 1, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hospital surfaces and healthcare workers' hands pose a significant risk for transmitting infections. Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains were frequently detected on both, highlighting the urgent need for improved hygiene protocols to reduce hospital-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hospital-acquired infections are primarily transmitted through direct contact.
  • Assessing microbial contamination on healthcare workplace surfaces is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the risk of microbial contamination on healthcare workers' hands and workplace surfaces.
  • To identify the prevalence of resistant Staphylococcus strains in a hospital environment.

Main Methods:

  • Swabs and contact slides collected from healthcare workers' hands and surfaces (telephones, computers, trolleys, taps).
  • Rapid screening using bioluminometry, followed by identification of positive Staphylococci samples.
  • Assessment of resistance to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin (VRSA).

Main Results:

  • Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains found on 14.7% of hand samples and 35.7% of surface samples.
  • Higher resistance rates to meticillin and/or vancomycin observed in nosocomial coagulase-negative staphylococci compared to S. aureus.
  • Specific resistant strains identified include S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus.

Conclusions:

  • A significant presence of resistant Staphylococcus strains on hands and surfaces necessitates enhanced infection control measures.
  • Increased adherence to hygiene procedures and robust surveillance are vital to mitigate infection risks.
  • Focus on preventing transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings is paramount.

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