Abstract
The number of airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) before, during and after bedmaking was investigated. Air was sampled with an Andersen air sampler in the rooms of 13 inpatients with MRSA infection or colonization. Sampling of surfaces, including floors and bedsheets, was performed by stamp methods. MRSA-containing particles were isolated on all the sampler stages—stage 1 (>7μm diameter) to stage 6 (0.65–1.1μm). The MRSA-containing particles were mostly 2–3μm diameter before bedmaking and >5μm during bedmaking. The number was significantly higher 15min after bedmaking than during the resting period, but the differences in counts after 30 and 60min were not significant. MRSA was detected on many surfaces. The results suggest that MRSA was recirculated in the air, especially after movement. To prevent airborne transmission, healthcare staff should exercise great care to disinfect inanimate environments. Further studies will be needed to confirm the level of MRSA contamination of air during bedmaking and establish measures for prevention of airborne transmission.
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