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| S.aureus- the bane of humanity since time immemorial |
A recent commentary in the American Journal of Infection Control explores the potential role of the nonclinical environment in the transmission of Staphlylococci, including MRSA.
Traditionally, pathogens such as MRSA have been associated with healthcare facility contact,extended patient treatment and decontamination efforts of both patients and inanimate healthcare environments. However, the emergence of community associated MRSA infections raises the question of non-clinical, non-hospital spread of staphylococci.
MRSA has been isolated from pigs, horses, dogs, cats,cattle, chicken, sheep,chinchillas, bats, and parrots. Evidence suggests that MRSA can be transmitted from dogs and cats to their owners.
Inanimate, shared surfaces of 'high frequency touch' are also potential reservoirs. Staphylococci have been isolated from surfaces in commercial airplanes and from household surfaces including kitchen and bathroom sinks, faucet handles,drains, dish sponges, cloths and towels, countertops, tubs, trays on infant chairs, and pet food dishes.Other surfaces include hand rails used in public transportation systems, hygiene items (towels, razor blades) and gear shared among professional athletes and prisoners. Staphylococci are remarkably hardy and can exist on environmental surfaces for days.
So, the extent to which the nonclinical environment is driving staphyloccocal transmission remains unknown.
If these reservoirs are found to pose a significant risk, then what should be done?
Perhaps common sense will prevail such that we wash our hands more and limit the sharing of high risk items, such as towel, apparel, athletic gear, utensils,razor blades etc.
This could be a germophobe's nightmare.
