188: The Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus on Frequently Touched Objects in an Urban Emergency Department

Abstract

Recently, the focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has shifted away from nosocomial spread in the intensive care unit to the increasing prevalence of community-associated MRSA skin and soft tissue infections. Both strains are found in emergency departments (EDs) across the country, making the control of environmental contamination of MRSA a high priority. Previous MRSA transmission studies were confined to the intensive care unit. The objective of this study is to identify frequently touched objects which might contribute to the spread of MRSA to patients and health care workers in an urban ED.