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Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Recreational Facilities as Reservoirs for Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Chase A Weikel1, John M Pisciotta1
1Department of Biology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens in public settings present a growing risk to human health. Staphylococcus aureus often asymptomatically colonizes human skin, while virulent strains cause soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and are associated with cystic fibrosis. Here we investigated the presence and distribution of multidrug-resistant S. aureus on exercise equipment in university recreation facilities. Equipment sampled included barbells (n = 10), dumbbell handles (n = 15), kettle bell handles (n = 5), ellipticals (n = 5), treadmills (n = 5), cable attachments (n = 5). Mannitol salt agar, CHROMagar-MRSA, Gram staining and latex agglutination testing were useds to isolate and identify S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion assay was utilized to determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Results show 42% of 456 S. aureus isolates from 45 different equipment surfaces were ampicillin resistant. Of 60 representative ampicillin-resistant isolates, 92% were resistant to additional antibiotics with the majority resistant to erythromycin (40%) and sulfisoxazole (75%). Multidrug resistance to three or more drugs was observed in 73% of the ampicillin-resistant subpopulation. These results indicate recreational facilities may serve as reservoirs for multi-drug resistant S. aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and regular disinfection of equipment is warranted for safeguarding public health.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, was found on university gym equipment. This highlights the need for regular disinfection to protect public health from antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose a significant threat to human health in public spaces.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common colonizer of human skin, with virulent strains causing various infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on exercise equipment in university recreation facilities.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolated S. aureus strains.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of various exercise equipment (barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, ellipticals, treadmills, cable attachments).
- Isolation and identification of S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), using Mannitol salt agar, CHROMagar-MRSA, Gram staining, and latex agglutination.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing via Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion assay.
Main Results:
- 42% of 456 S. aureus isolates from 45 equipment surfaces showed ampicillin resistance.
- Of 60 ampicillin-resistant isolates tested, 92% were resistant to additional antibiotics.
- Multidrug resistance (≥3 drugs) was observed in 73% of ampicillin-resistant isolates, with high resistance to sulfisoxazole (75%) and erythromycin (40%).
Conclusions:
- University recreational facilities can act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant S. aureus, including MRSA.
- Regular disinfection of exercise equipment is crucial for public health protection.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring and controlling resistant bacteria in shared environments.
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