Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Transfer of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by fist bump versus handshake
Natalia C Pinto-Herrera1, Lucas D Jones2, Wilson Ha3
1Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Abstract:
For patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, a traditional fist-bump greeting did not significantly reduce MRSA transfer in comparison to a handshake. However, transfer was reduced with a modified fist bump that minimized the surface area of contact and when hand hygiene was performed before the handshake.
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