University of Regina public computer terminals as reservoirs for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Date
2008-04
Authors
Boa, Tyler
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Regina, Graduate Students' Association
Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a common infectious threat in the hospital environment as well as within the community. A survey of public computer terminals at the University of Regina was undertaken to determine if the terminals are reservoirs for Methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial isolates were identified from keyboard swabs utilizing differential media, microscan, and genetic analysis. Ten keyboards were sampled on eleven occasions over the period of five months and an additional forty terminals were surveyed over the final four weeks of the project. Of 147 terminals surveyed, 60 were contaminated with isolates presenting typical S. aureus growth on Manitol salt agar. Methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus were present on one and four keyboards, respectively (Further typing of the MRSA strain is conducted through genetic analysis). 31 of 60 enriched samples grew in the presence of oxicliin “(4 mg l-1), indicating a Methicillin (oxicillin)-resistant rich bacterial community. The presence of MRSA combined with the high volume of traffic on these public terminals is a concern and may contribute to the spread of this opportunistic pathogen in the community. Bacterial survey of computers at the Archer Library. Goal was to identify Methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Description
Poster presented at the 3rd Graduate Students' Research Conference, April 2008.
Keywords
Opportunistic pathogen, MRSA Antibiotic-resistant bacteria community acquired
Citation