Survey of MRSA from Hand Dryers at University A

Abstract

The effects of hand dryers (HD) and detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in water droplets from HD have been reported. Therefore, we examined drip trays in HD at University A in order to reveal contamination with MRSA. Research was conducted in August, 2013 and 2014. Samples were collected from drip trays from a total of 15 HD’s that were installed in washrooms on each floor and from one part of each drip tray. The mannitol salt agar with egg yolk was used to identify SA and then the egg yolk reaction and the coagulase test were performed. MRSA was not detected in 2013; however, multidrug-resistant bacteria were present. MRSA and multidrug-resistant bacteria were also detected from HD in 2014. MPIPC, CLDM, FOM, NFLX and MINO were used for drug sensitivity testing. Resistance to CLDM, FOM and NFLX was observed in both testing years. This research shows that resistant bacteria may spread through hands that touch the HD drip tray as MRSA and multidrug-resistant bacteria were detected from there. Therefore, prevention measures including those to combat the spread of COVID-19, changing HD models and the issuing of warnings are required.