title: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus survival on hospital fomites.
abstract: We examined the duration of survival of 2 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on 3 types of hospital fomites. MRSA survived for 11 days on a plastic patient chart, more than 12 days on a laminated tabletop, and 9 days on a cloth curtain. Irregular surfaces may help harbor organisms in the environment. In addition to contact precautions, MRSA containment during an outbreak should include concurrent environmental decontamination.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weed
authors.forename: Connie Savor
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000382:microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D050456:Fomites / Q000382:microbiology*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013997:Time Factors