title: Snapshot prevalence and characterization of Staphylococcus species, including MRSA, in a student athletic facility: an undergraduate research project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and characterize the prevalence of MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, and other Staphylococcus species found on exercise equipment on one day point of collection.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional, point prevalence design (pilot study) with a single time of measurement. Data collected in summer of 2011 (Undergraduate Research Project for CLS Program, CLS 4361 Clinical Research). Project received Institutional Review Board exemption.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a higher education athletic facility in Texas.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-five environmental samples were collected from various exercise equipment and areas within the facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples were screened for Staphylococcus species using standard microbiological techniques. Confirmation of S. aureus was conducted by DRYSPOT Staphytect Plus. MRSA isolates were confirmed with CHROMagar; VITEK 2 antibiotic susceptibility testing and PFGE characterized all MRSA isolates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of MRSA was 6%, S. aureus 38%, other Staphylococcus species 52% and no growth 4%. Prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA was highest on free weights and mats, respectively. PFGE characterized all MRSA isolates as HA-MRSA (USA100 strain).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although limitations exist for this study with a single time of measurement for data, the findings indicate potential exposure risks from Staphylococcus species in college athletic facilities. Compliance (disinfection) and creative health education may reduce transmission of pathogens, environmental load, and incidence of colonization or infection in students.
authors.affiliation: College of Health Professions, Clinical Laboratory Science Program Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666-4616, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Jacella F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Rodney E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Rohde
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*