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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Contamination of environmental surfaces with Staphylococcus aureus in households with children infected with
Stephanie A Fritz1, Patrick G Hogan1, Lauren N Singh1
1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri.
Importance:
Household environmental surfaces may serve as vectors for the acquisition and spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among household members, although few studies have evaluated which objects are important reservoirs of MRSA.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of environmental MRSA contamination in households of children with MRSA infection; define the molecular epidemiology of environmental, pet, and human MRSA strains within households; and identify factors associated with household MRSA contamination.
Design, Setting, And Participants:
Fifty children with active or recent culture-positive community-associated MRSA infection were enrolled from 2012 to 2013 at St Louis Children's Hospital and at community pediatric practices affiliated with the Washington University Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Research Consortium in St Louis, Missouri.
Main Outcomes And Measures:
Samples of participants' nares, axillae, and inguinal folds were cultured to detect S aureus colonization. Samples of 21 household environmental surfaces, as well as samples obtained from pet dogs and cats, were cultured. Molecular typing of S aureus strains was performed by repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction to determine strain relatedness within households.
Results:
Methicillin-resistant S aureus was recovered from samples of environmental surfaces in 23 of the 50 households (46%), most frequently from the participant's bed linens (18%), television remote control (16%), and bathroom hand towel (15%). It colonized 12% of dogs and 7% of cats. At least 1 surface was contaminated with a strain type matching the participant's isolate in 20 households (40%). Participants colonized with S aureus had a higher mean (SD) proportion of MRSA-contaminated surfaces (0.15 [0.17]) than noncolonized participants (0.03 [0.06]; mean difference, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.05-0.20]). A greater number of individuals per 1000 ft 2 (93 m2) were also associated with a higher proportion of MRSA-contaminated surfaces (β = 0.34, P = .03). The frequency of cleaning household surfaces was not associated with S aureus environmental contamination.
Conclusions And Relevance:
Methicillin-resistant S aureus strains concordant with infecting and colonizing strains are present on commonly handled household surfaces, a factor that likely perpetuates MRSA transmission and recurrent disease. Future studies are needed to determine methods to eradicate environmental contamination and prevent MRSA transmission in households.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequently found on household surfaces like bed linens and remote controls, contributing to its spread. Identifying these reservoirs is key to preventing MRSA transmission and recurrent infections in families.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Household surfaces can act as reservoirs for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Limited research exists on specific objects that are significant MRSA reservoirs within homes.
- Understanding environmental contamination is crucial for controlling MRSA spread in families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of MRSA on environmental surfaces in households with infected children.
- To characterize the molecular epidemiology of MRSA strains in humans, pets, and the environment.
- To identify factors linked to MRSA contamination within households.
Main Methods:
- Fifty children with MRSA infections were enrolled.
- Samples were collected from participants' skin, household surfaces, and pets.
- Repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction was used for molecular typing of MRSA strains.
Main Results:
- MRSA was found on surfaces in 46% of households, most commonly on bed linens, remote controls, and hand towels.
- MRSA colonized 12% of dogs and 7% of cats.
- 40% of households had MRSA strains on surfaces matching the child's infecting strain. Higher household density correlated with increased surface contamination.
Conclusions:
- MRSA strains matching those colonizing or infecting individuals are present on frequently touched household surfaces.
- This environmental contamination likely facilitates MRSA transmission and recurrent infections.
- Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for eradicating environmental MRSA and preventing household transmission.
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