Isolation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in the dental operatory

The state of contamination by methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the conservative dentistry section of the School of Dentistry, Aichi-Gakuin University, was investigated. Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCNS) were detected in 8 (20.5%) of 39 dental staff (28 dentists, 8 dental hygienists, and 3 dental assistants), but MRSA was not detected. MRCNS was also detected in locations such as the dental chair, dental bracket, dental cabinet, and floor, as well as in airborne samples. The presence of the same strain in both the oral cavity of staff persons and the dental chair/floor locations was determined by biochemical properties, antibiotic sensitivity tests, and electrophoretic patterns.