Mice in the emergency department: vector for infection or technological aid?
OBJECTIVE
To study the type of bacterial flora present on computer mice in an emergency department.


METHODS
Computer mice in the emergency department of a single institution, were swabbed on three separate occasions over a 12-month period. Swabs were plated out on McConkey agar and blood agar. Isolated organisms were identified by senior laboratory personnel using Gram stain, colony morphology and susceptibility testing.


RESULTS
No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified on the equipment. Two samples cultured methicillin-sensitive coagulase positive staphylococci. A range of other organisms were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to studies in other hospital departments, no methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified on computer mice in the emergency department. These results suggest that mouse operated software is not adding to infection control problems in relation to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in this environment.
Gray
John
J
Accident and Emergency Department, The Royal Victoria Hospital, The Royals Hospital Trust, Belfast, UK. jmcgray@fsmail.net
Mc Nicholl
Brian
B
Webb
Hugh
H
Hogg
Graham
G
D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D009660:Northern Ireland; D012307:Risk Factors; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*