title: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in college residential halls.
abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was once a predominantly hospital-acquired organism but community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has become a concern in athletics, prisons, and other nonclinical closed populations. As such, college residential hall occupants and workers may be at elevated risk of spreading or contracting MRSA. Environmental samples were obtained to identify the occurrence of MRSA on surfaces in bathrooms of 15 university residential halls. Sterile swabs and BBL CHROMagar plates were used to sample seven categories of potentially contaminated surfaces in each location. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were prepared. All sites had at least one positive sample for MRSA, and shower floors displayed the greatest prevalence (50%). These results indicate areas for heightened sanitation, and illustrate CA-MRSA potential from such surfaces. The need for hygiene education of affected persons about skin and soft tissue infections like MRSA, and intervention opportunities for public health professionals, are discussed.
authors: Environmental Health Sciences Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
authors: Katelynn
authors: K
authors: Tonn
authors: Timothy J
authors: TJ
authors: Ryan
mesh_terms: D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008297:Male; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D009820:Ohio; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012574:Schools; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D014038:Toilet Facilities