Dynamic Transmission of Staphylococcus Aureus in the Intensive Care Unit

Adams, Claire E.; Dancer, Stephanie J.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is an important bacterial pathogen. This study utilized known staphylococcal epidemiology to track S. aureus between patients, surfaces, staff hands and air in a ten-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Patients, air and surfaces were screened for total colony counts and S. aureus using dipslides, settle plates and an MAS-100 slit-sampler once a month for 10 months. Data were modelled against proposed standards for air and surfaces, and ICU-acquired staphylococcal infection. Whole-cell genomic typing (WGS) demonstrated possible transmission pathways between reservoirs. Results: Frequently touched sites were more likely to be contaminated (>12 cfu/cm2; p = 0.08). Overall, 235 of 500 (47%) sites failed the surface standard (≤2.5 cfu/cm2); 20 of 40 (50%) passive air samples failed the “Index of Microbial Air” standard (2 cfu/9 cm plate/h), and 15/40 (37.5%) air samples failed the air standard (

Citation

Adams, C. E., & Dancer, S. J. (2020). Dynamic Transmission of Staphylococcus Aureus in the Intensive Care Unit. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), Article 2109. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062109

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 17, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2020
• Publication Date: Mar 22, 2020
• Deposit Date: May 15, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 19, 2020
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: 2109
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062109
• Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; critical care; transmission; hand-touch site; ventilation
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2663330