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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and public fomites: a review
Ziad W Jaradat1, Qutaiba O Ababneh1, Sherin T Sha'aban2
1Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus genus is a Gram-positive coccus normally associated with skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. It is part of the commensal human microflora, or found in animals, or contaminating surfaces in the community and hospital settings. Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic species belonging to this genus, as it possesses a collection of virulence factors that are expressed solely to evade the immune system. The increase in the misuse of antimicrobial agents predisposed S. aureus to develop antibiotic resistance, including the resistance to methicillin which led to the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA is considered one of the most dangerous nosocomial pathogens causing many hard to treat infections in hospitals and was named as Hospital Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). Over the past 20-25 years, MRSA was isolated from community settings and thus Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has emerged. Inside hospitals, MRSA has been isolated from fomites in contact with patients, as well as staff's protective and personal items. This review highlights the worldwide prevalence of MRSA on fomites within the contexts of hospital and community settings.
Insights
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous pathogen found on surfaces in hospitals and communities. This review examines the global presence of MRSA on fomites in both healthcare and public environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus genus, including Staphylococcus aureus, is a common bacterium found on skin and mucous membranes.
- S. aureus possesses virulence factors enabling immune evasion, and antimicrobial misuse has led to antibiotic resistance.
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged due to resistance to methicillin, becoming a significant nosocomial pathogen (HA-MRSA) and later a community-associated threat (CA-MRSA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the worldwide prevalence of MRSA on fomites.
- To analyze MRSA presence in both hospital and community settings.
- To highlight the significance of fomites as reservoirs for MRSA transmission.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting MRSA isolation from fomites.
- Analysis of data on MRSA prevalence in hospital environments.
- Analysis of data on MRSA prevalence in community settings.
Main Results:
- MRSA has been detected on fomites within hospital settings, including patient-contact items and staff belongings.
- MRSA has also been isolated from fomites in community environments over the past 20-25 years.
- Fomites serve as potential reservoirs for MRSA transmission in both healthcare and community contexts.
Conclusions:
- MRSA is prevalent on fomites globally in both hospital and community settings.
- Understanding fomite contamination is crucial for controlling MRSA spread.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of fomites in MRSA epidemiology.
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