Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
[Sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolated from toys used in a teaching hospital
Vanessa Stolf Boretti1, Renata Nunes Corrêa1, Silvana Soléo Ferreira dos Santos1
1Universidade de Taubaté (UNITAU), Taubaté, SP, Brasil.
Objective:
To evaluate the presence of microorganisms of the genus Staphylococcus and Streptococcus on toys in the playroom of a teaching hospital, as well to as analyze the antimicrobial from the isolated strains.
Methods:
Samples were collected from 60 toys, using wet swabs, soon after being used by the children. The samples were inoculated in enriched and selective agar for isolation and later identification of the microorganisms. Antibiogram testing was performed by agar diffusion technique.
Results:
The genus Staphylococcus was present in 87.0% (52/60) of the toys. Seventythree strains were isolated, with 29.0% (21/73) coagulase-positive and 71.0% (52/73) coagulase-negative. Among the coagulase-negative strains, 90.4% were resistant to penicillin, 65.4% to oxacillin, 28.8% to clarithromycin, 61.5% to clindamycin, and none to vancomycin. Among the coagulase-positive strains, 76.2% were resistant to penicillin, 23.8% to oxacillin, 23.8% to clarithromycin, 47.6% to clindamycin, and none to vancomycin. The genus Streptococcus was not detected in any of the evaluated toys.
Conclusions:
Toys can be contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria with antimicrobial resistance, representing a possible source of nosocomial infection for patients who are already debilitated.
Insights
Hospital toys frequently harbor Staphylococcus bacteria, many exhibiting resistance to common antibiotics. This highlights a potential risk for spreading infections among vulnerable pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Hygiene
Background:
- Toys in healthcare settings can act as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms.
- Assessing microbial contamination on pediatric hospital toys is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species on teaching hospital playroom toys.
- To determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of isolated bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Sixty toys were sampled using wet swabs after pediatric use.
- Microorganisms were isolated and identified using enriched and selective agar.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed via agar diffusion.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus was detected on 87% of toys; Streptococcus was not found.
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (71%) and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (29%) strains were isolated.
- High resistance rates were observed for penicillin, oxacillin, and clindamycin in both Staphylococcus types, with no vancomycin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Hospital toys can be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus.
- These contaminated toys pose a potential source for nosocomial infections in immunocompromised children.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal Skin Infections
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance