Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group
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2011 OMIG Abstract 6

Detection of Staphylococcus aureus: A standardized method for surveillance of
ophthalmology clinic equipment
R.E. Reem¹, A.E. Hoet^2,3, C.M. Cebulla^1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Havener Eye Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, ²Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, ³Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Purpose: Methicillin susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) are increasingly common pathogens in ophthalmology patients. With growing prevalence of community-acquired MRSA, studies of potential sources of infection in the community are being performed, including of human and veterinary hospitals, public transportation, and ambulances. The purpose of this study was to utilize a standardized method of sampling ophthalmic clinic equipment for screening of MSSA and MRSA.

Methods: A standardized method was used to sample surfaces in 12 randomly selected examination rooms, pooled in sets of three, from two ophthalmology clinic buildings. Items sampled included patient-contact items (Goldmann tonometer tips, slit lamp headrests); doctor and staff contact items (computer keyboard, hand sanitizer dispenser); and general contact items (doorknobs). Imaging room contact surfaces in both buildings were also sampled. Samples were collected with cotton-tipped swabs or electrostatic cloths, and were pre-enriched in Trypticase Soy Broth with 2% NaCl for 24 hours at 35oC, then grown on Mannitol Salt Agar plates containing Oxacillin (2µg/ml). These were plated on 5% Sheep Blood plates to be further characterized.

Results: Of 28 total pooled sampling surfaces on three separate sampling dates, the average prevalence of MRSA detected was 2/28 (range 1–3/28). MSSA was more common, with a mean prevalence of 7/28 (range 4–9/28).  Surfaces testing positive at one time point were not necessarily positive at subsequent time points. No MSSA or MRSA was grown from surfaces that directly contact the eye.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both MSSA and MRSA are detectable in common ophthalmology clinic contact surfaces by this method. Multiple samples can be pooled to cover a large number of contact surfaces with minimal cost. This method has broad implications for the surveillance of MSSA and MRSA presence in the ophthalmology clinic, including the direction of cleaning and disinfection practices.

Support: Ohio State University, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science Research Fund

Disclosure: N

2011 Abstract List | < Previous | Next >