Isolation and characterization of Staphylococci from household environmental surfaces

Abstract

Staphylococci are the main cause of infections in hospitals and communities. In recent years, community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has emerged as a major causative agent of infections. The household environmental surfaces that are frequently touched by hands play a role in the transmission of CA-MRSA. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize Staphylococci on environmental surfaces inside a home. Samples were isolated on Mannitol Salt Agar, and those with yellow colonies were selected for cell morphology examination under a microscope, as well as catalase test, coagulase tests, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The incidences of household environmental surface colonization with S. aureus and CoNS among 50 samples were 34% (17 of 50) and 8% (4 of 50), respectively. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance. Their resistance rates to penicillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and cefoxitin were 100, 95.4, 95.4, 95.4 and 95.4%, respectively. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates were susceptible to clindamycin, gentamicin, vancomycin and fusidic acid. MRSA was isolated from 1 of 50 samples (2%). The study findings suggest that the home environment is a significant reservoir for MRSA. Future research is necessary to identify effective methods for eliminating environmental contamination and preventing the transmission of MRSA within households.