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Williams TC, Asselin E, Mazzulli T, Woznow T, Hamzeh H, Nahkaie D, Waisman D, Stojkova B, Dixon R, Bryce E, Charles M. One-year trial evaluating the durability and antimicrobial efficacy of copper in public transportation systems. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6765. [PMID: 38514805 PMCID: PMC10958017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Surfaces on transit vehicles are frequently touched and could potentially act as reservoirs for micro-organism transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfection to minimize the spread of micro-organisms is operationally challenging due to the need to keep vehicles in circulation. The application of copper (Cu) alloys to high- touch surfaces could help reduce the risk of cross-contamination, however, little is known about the durability and efficacy of engineered copper surfaces after prolonged use. Three Cu products (decal, thermal fabrication, and alloy covers) were assessed over a 12-month period. These Cu products were randomly installed on 110 stanchions on three buses and four train (SkyTrain) cars in Vancouver and three buses, two subway cars, and two streetcars in Toronto with mirrored control surfaces directly opposite. Bacterial counts (Colony forming units, CFU) and ATP bioluminescence (ATPB) were measured every two months after peak morning routes. Durability of the Cu products were assessed monthly through visual inspection and colorimetry assays or by ex-situ microscopy. Cu products on stanchions reduced the mean colony forming units (CFU) of all vehicles by 42.7% in the mean CFU (0.573 (CI 95% 0.453-0.726), p-value < 0.001) compared to control surfaces. The three Cu products exhibited an overall 87.1% reduction in the mean ATPB readings (0.129 (CI 95% 0.059-0.285, p-value < 0.001) compared to controls. Surface Cu concentration for all three products was consistent throughout the 12-month period. Electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) cross-sectional analysis showed no change in thickness or dealloying of Cu products, however SEM top-down analysis revealed substantial carbon accumulation on all surfaces. Cu products installed on transit vehicles maintained antimicrobial efficacy and durability after 12 months of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa C Williams
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Edouard Asselin
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tony Mazzulli
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tracey Woznow
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hadi Hamzeh
- Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Davood Nahkaie
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Biljana Stojkova
- Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard Dixon
- Community & Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction (CHAIR), Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Bryce
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marthe Charles
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver General Hospital, 1116 - 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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Ly YT, Leuko S, Moeller R. An overview of the bacterial microbiome of public transportation systems-risks, detection, and countermeasures. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1367324. [PMID: 38528857 PMCID: PMC10961368 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1367324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
When we humans travel, our microorganisms come along. These can be harmless but also pathogenic, and are spread by touching surfaces or breathing aerosols in the passenger cabins. As the pandemic with SARS-CoV-2 has shown, those environments display a risk for infection transmission. For a risk reduction, countermeasures such as wearing face masks and distancing were applied in many places, yet had a significant social impact. Nevertheless, the next pandemic will come and additional countermeasures that contribute to the risk reduction are needed to keep commuters safe and reduce the spread of microorganisms and pathogens, but also have as little impact as possible on the daily lives of commuters. This review describes the bacterial microbiome of subways around the world, which is mainly characterized by human-associated genera. We emphasize on healthcare-associated ESKAPE pathogens within public transport, introduce state-of-the art methods to detect common microbes and potential pathogens such as LAMP and next-generation sequencing. Further, we describe and discuss possible countermeasures that could be deployed in public transportation systems, as antimicrobial surfaces or air sterilization using plasma. Commuting in public transport can harbor risks of infection. Improving the safety of travelers can be achieved by effective detection methods, microbial reduction systems, but importantly by hand hygiene and common-sense hygiene guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Moeller
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
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3
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Taha AE, Alduraywish AS, Alanazi AA, Alruwaili AH, Alruwaili AL, Alrais MM, Alyousef AA, Alrais AA, Alanazi MA, Alhudaib SN, Alazmi BM. High Bacterial Contamination Load of Self-Service Facilities in Sakaka City, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia, with Reduced Sensitivity to Some Antimicrobials. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2937. [PMID: 38138082 PMCID: PMC10745763 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although self-service facilities (SSFs) have been used on a large scale worldwide, they can be easily contaminated by microorganisms from the hands of their sequential users. This research aimed to study the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance of bacteria contaminating SSFs in Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. We randomly swabbed the surfaces of 200 SSFs, then used the suitable culture media, standard microbiological methods, and the MicroScan WalkAway Microbiology System, including the identification/antimicrobial susceptibility testing-combo panels. A high SSFs' bacterial contamination load was detected (78.00%). Ninety percent of the samples collected in the afternoon, during the maximum workload of the SSFs, yielded bacterial growth (p < 0.001 *). Most of the contaminated SSFs were supermarket payment machines, self-pumping equipment at gas stations (p = 0.004 *), online banking service machines (p = 0.026 *), and barcode scanners in supermarkets. In the antiseptic-deficient areas, 55.1% of the contaminated SSFs were detected (p = 0.008 *). Fifty percent of the contaminated SSFs were not decontaminated. The most common bacterial contaminants were Escherichia coli (70 isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae (66 isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis (34 isolates), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (18 isolates), and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (14 isolates), representing 31.53%, 29.73%, 15.32%, 8.11%, and 6.31% of the isolates, respectively. Variable degrees of reduced sensitivity to some antimicrobials were detected among the bacterial isolates. The SSFs represent potential risks for the exchange of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between the out-hospital environment and the hospitals through the hands of the public. As technology and science advance, there is an urgent need to deploy creative and automated techniques for decontaminating SSFs and make use of recent advancements in materials science for producing antibacterial surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E. Taha
- Microbiology and Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali A. Alanazi
- College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Mmdoh M. Alrais
- College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | - Bandar M. Alazmi
- College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Laboratory Evaluation of a Quaternary Ammonium Compound-Based Antimicrobial Coating Used in Public Transport during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0174422. [PMID: 36856438 PMCID: PMC10057021 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01744-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The virucidal activity of the Zoono Z71 Microbe Shield surface sanitizer and protectant, a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based antimicrobial coating that was used by the United Kingdom rail industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, was evaluated, using the bacteriophage ɸ6 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. Immediately after application and in the absence of interfering substances, the product effectively reduced (>3 log10) the viability of ɸ6 on some materials that are typically used in rail carriages (stainless steel, high-pressure laminate, plastic). If, after the application of the product, these surfaces remained undisturbed, the antimicrobial coating retained its efficacy for at least 28 days. However, efficacy depended on the material being coated. The product provided inconsistent results when applied to glass surfaces and was ineffective (i.e., achieved <3 log10 reduction) when applied to a train arm rest that was made of Terluran 22. Regardless of the material that was coated or the time since application, the presence of organic debris (fetal bovine serum) significantly reduced the viricidal activity of the coating. Wiping the surface with a wetted cloth after the deposition of organic debris was not sufficient to restore efficacy. We conclude that the product is likely to be of limited effectiveness in a busy, multiuser environment, such as public transport. IMPORTANCE This study evaluated the performance of a commercially available antimicrobial coating that was used by the transport industry in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the product was effective against ɸ6, the efficacy of the coating depended upon the material to which it was applied. Similarly, and regardless of the surface material, the presence of organic debris severely impaired viricidal activity, and efficacy could not be recovered through wiping (cleaning) the surface. This highlights the importance of including relevant materials and conditions when evaluating antimicrobial coatings in the laboratory. Further efforts are required to identify suitable infection prevention and control practices for the transport industry.
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5
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Hernández-Alomía F, Bastidas-Caldes C, Ballesteros I, Tenea GN, Jarrín-V. P, Molina CA, Castillejo P. Beta-Lactam Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Microbiome of the Public Transport System of Quito, Ecuador. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1900. [PMID: 36767267 PMCID: PMC9914694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria present resistance mechanisms against β-lactam antibiotics, such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBL) and Metallo-β-lactamases enzymes (MBLs) which are operon encoded in Gram-negative species. Likewise, Gram-positive bacteria have evolved other mechanisms through mec genes, which encode modified penicillin-binding proteins (PBP2). This study aimed to determine the presence and spread of β-lactam antibiotic resistance genes and the microbiome circulating in Quito's Public Transport (QTP). A total of 29 station turnstiles were swabbed to extract the surface environmental DNA. PCRs were performed to detect the presence of 13 antibiotic resistance genes and to identify and to amplify 16S rDNA for barcoding, followed by clone analysis, Sanger sequencing, and BLAST search. ESBL genes blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-1 and MBL genes blaOXA-181 and mecA were detected along QPT stations, blaTEM being the most widely spread. Two subvariants were found for blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-1, and blaOXA-181. Almost half of the circulating bacteria found at QPT stations were common human microbiota species, including those classified by the WHO as pathogens of critical and high-priority surveillance. β-lactam antibiotic resistance genes are prevalent throughout QPT. This is the first report of blaOXA-181 in environmental samples in Ecuador. Moreover, we detected a new putative variant of this gene. Some commensal coagulase-negative bacteria may have a role as mecA resistance reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Hernández-Alomía
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Bastidas-Caldes
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Programa de Doctorado en Salud Pública y Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Isabel Ballesteros
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriela N. Tenea
- Biofood and Nutraceutics Research and Development Group, Faculty of Engineering in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ibarra 100150, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Jarrín-V.
- Dirección de Innovación, Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - C. Alfonso Molina
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Castillejo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador
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6
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Calovi M, Meschini S, Condello M, Rossi S. Innovative Codeposition of a Ag-Al 2O 3 Layer: An Attractive Combination of High Durability and Lack of Cytotoxicity for Public Space Applications. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:25650-25662. [PMID: 35910186 PMCID: PMC9330093 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Today, the use of silver in surfaces for public environments is very frequent, as it ensures high antimicrobial activities, avoiding the continuous disinfection of the surfaces themselves. Similarly, thanks to its interesting combination of technological properties, anodized aluminum is widely employed in the production of components for applications in public spaces. Therefore, this work describes a simple method of the codeposition of silver and anodized aluminum to combine the remarkable properties of Al2O3 layers with the antibacterial performances of silver. The effect of silver in modifying the durability features of the anodized aluminum layer was evaluated by means of various accelerated degradation techniques, such as the exposure in a climatic chamber to UV-B radiation or an aggressive atmosphere simulated by the Kesternich test. These analyses showed the good compatibility between Ag and the alumina matrix, whose durability performances were not particularly influenced by silver. Furthermore, the composite layers did not express relevant cytotoxicity activity, as evidenced by Trypan blue flow cytometry analysis and microscopy observations, ensuring the possible use of this material in applications in close contact with humans. This same conclusion was reached by observing an almost negligible ionic release of Ag by the composite layers, even following severe degradation of the alumina matrix due to exposure to a particular acid solution. In conclusion, this work presents an innovative material that can be used in public spaces, thanks to its interesting combination of high durability and low cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Calovi
- Department
of Industrial Engineering, University of
Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Stefania Meschini
- National
Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria Condello
- National
Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Stefano Rossi
- Department
of Industrial Engineering, University of
Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
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7
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Valiei A, Lin N, McKay G, Nguyen D, Moraes C, Hill RJ, Tufenkji N. Surface Wettability Is a Key Feature in the Mechano-Bactericidal Activity of Nanopillars. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:27564-27574. [PMID: 35670568 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanopillar-textured surfaces are of growing interest because of their ability to kill bacteria through physical damage without relying on antimicrobial chemicals. Although research on antibacterial nanopillars has progressed significantly in recent years, the effect of nanopillar hydrophobicity on bactericidal activity remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the mechano-bactericidal efficacy of etched silicon nanopillars against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at nanopillar hydrophobicities from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Assessing cell viability and bacterial morphology in immersed wet conditions, we observed negligible bactericidal activity; however, air/liquid interface displacement during water evaporation established a bactericidal effect that strongly depends on substrate hydrophobicity. Specifically, bactericidal activity was highest on superhydrophilic surfaces but abated with increasing hydrophobicity, diminishing at substrate contact angles larger than 90°. Calculation of the surface tension and Laplace pressure forces during water evaporation for each substrate subsequently highlighted that the total capillary force, as an external driving force responsible for bacterial deformation, is significantly weaker on hydrophobic substrates. These findings suggest that superhydrophilic nanopillared surfaces are a superior choice for mechano-bactericidal activity, whereas superhydrophobic surfaces, although not bactericidal, may have antibiofouling properties through their self-cleaning effect. These findings provide new insights into the design and application of nanopillared surfaces as functional antibacterial materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Valiei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Nicholas Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Geoffrey McKay
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Dao Nguyen
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Reghan J Hill
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
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8
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Bukłaha A, Wieczorek A, Kruszewska E, Majewski P, Iwaniuk D, Sacha P, Tryniszewska E, Wieczorek P. Air Disinfection—From Medical Areas to Vehicle. Front Public Health 2022; 10:820816. [PMID: 35284381 PMCID: PMC8907567 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.820816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cars with air conditioning systems have become the norm, but these systems can be dangerous for human health as a result of the accumulation of different microorganisms, including pathogenic ones, causing severe allergy or inflammation problems. The novel purpose of this study is 2-fold: on the one hand, to test different disinfection agents on a new area, that is, automobile cabins, and on the other, to compare activity in the gas phase of these agents for disinfection of car air conditioning and cabin surfaces. This study shown that tested disinfectant agents dedicated for decontamination medical areas (agent based on peracetic acid and an agent containing didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 2-phenoxyethanol with cinnamaldehyde) can be successfully used for disinfection car air conditioning and cabin surfaces. Both disinfectants were examined in comparison to a commercial “ready-to-use” spray from a local supermarket dedicated to car air conditioning disinfection. Our research found that very effective agents in this regard were acid stabilized by hydrogen peroxide applied by fumigator, and a combination of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 2-phenoxyethanol, and cinnamaldehyde applied by atomizer. Tested disinfection procedures of car air conditioning significantly influence the quality of cabin air and surfaces by reducing the amount of microorganisms. The comparison of disinfection properties studied agents in the gas phase reveal statistically significant differences between it effect for disinfection car air conditioning and cabin surfaces. Our research found that very effective agents in this regard were acid stabilized by hydrogen peroxide applied by fumigator, and a combination of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 2-phenoxyethanol, and cinnamaldehyde applied by atomizer. Tested disinfection procedures of car air conditioning significantly influence the quality of cabin air and surfaces by reducing the amount of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bukłaha
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bukłaha
| | - Anna Wieczorek
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Kruszewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Majewski
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Dominika Iwaniuk
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paweł Sacha
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Tryniszewska
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Wieczorek
- Department of Microbiological Diagnostics and Infectious Immunology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
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It is complicated: Potential short- and long-term impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on antimicrobial resistance—An expert review. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:e27. [PMID: 36310817 PMCID: PMC9614949 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As of December 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed millions of deaths and caused disruptions in health systems around the world. The short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which was already a global threat before the pandemic, are manifold and complex. In this expert review, we summarize how COVID-19 might be affecting AMR in the short term (by influencing the key determinants antibiotic use, infection control practices and international/local mobility) and which additional factors might play a role in the long term. Whereas reduced outpatient antibiotic use in high-income countries, increased awareness for hand hygiene, and reduced mobility have likely mitigated the emergence and spread of AMR in the short term, factors such as overuse of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients, shortage of personal protective equipment, lack of qualified healthcare staff, and patient overcrowding have presumably facilitated its propagation. Unsurprisingly, international and national AMR surveillance data for 2020 show ambiguous trends. Although disruptions in antibiotic stewardship programs, AMR surveillance and research might promote the spread of AMR, other developments could prove beneficial to the cause in the long term. These factors include the increased public awareness for infectious diseases and infection control issues, the strengthening of the One Health perspective as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the unprecedented number of international research collaborations and platforms. These factors could even serve as leverage and provide opportunities to better combat AMR in the future.
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10
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Antimicrobial Photodynamic Coatings Reduce the Microbial Burden on Environmental Surfaces in Public Transportation—A Field Study in Buses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042325. [PMID: 35206511 PMCID: PMC8872155 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people use public transportation daily worldwide and frequently touch surfaces, thereby producing a reservoir of microorganisms on surfaces increasing the risk of transmission. Constant occupation makes sufficient cleaning difficult to achieve. Thus, an autonomous, permanent, antimicrobial coating (AMC) could keep down the microbial burden on such surfaces. A photodynamic AMC was applied to frequently touched surfaces in buses. The microbial burden (colony forming units, cfu) was determined weekly and compared to equivalent surfaces in buses without AMC (references). The microbial burden ranged from 0–209 cfu/cm2 on references and from 0–54 cfu/cm2 on AMC. The means were 13.4 ± 29.6 cfu/cm2 on references and 4.5 ± 8.4 cfu/cm2 on AMC (p < 0.001). The difference in microbial burden on AMC and references was almost constant throughout the study. Considering a hygiene benchmark of 5 cfu/cm2, the data yield an absolute risk reduction of 22.6% and a relative risk reduction of 50.7%. In conclusion, photodynamic AMC kept down the microbial burden, reducing the risk of transmission of microorganisms. AMC permanently and autonomously contributes to hygienic conditions on surfaces in public transportation. Photodynamic AMC therefore are suitable for reducing the microbial load and closing hygiene gaps in public transportation.
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11
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Pochtovyi AA, Vasina DV, Verdiev BI, Shchetinin AM, Yuzhakov AG, Ovchinnikov RS, Tkachuk AP, Gushchin VA, Gintsburg AL. Microbiological Characteristics of Some Stations of Moscow Subway. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020170. [PMID: 35205037 PMCID: PMC8869165 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Public transport facilities, including subway systems, provide the most suitable conditions for the transfer of microorganisms between people and the environment, contributing to the pathogenic potential of the urban habitat. Investigation of microbiome diversity and description of its characteristic properties, e.g., antibiotic-resistance profiles, leads to understanding of these interactions. In this study, we aimed to conduct an extended analysis of the bioaerosol and surface microbiome of the Moscow subway, using 16S rRNA gene sample sequencing and classical microbiology methods. The microbiomes of two subway stations (Novokosino and Cherkizovskaya) were reconstructed which differ in terms of passenger traffic and duration of exploitation. It was shown that most bacterial genera were ubiquitous; however, the unique genera were presented in aerosol samples. The relatively older Cherkizovskaya station possessed greater diversity in antibiotic resistance among the identified microorganisms compared to Novokosino station. We also provided a comparative analysis of these results with the previously published data, which allowed us to identify the distribution of microorganisms associated with the human microbiome and the environment regardless of the seasonal fluctuations. The obtained results provide valuable information on the diversity of bacterial communities in the Moscow subway, one of the most socially important facilities in metropolitan areas. Abstract The subway is one of the most actively used means of transport in the traffic infrastructure of large metropolitan areas. More than seven million passengers use the Moscow subway every day, which promotes the exchange of microorganisms between people and the surrounding subway environment. In this research, a study of the bacterial communities of two Moscow subway stations was conducted and the common subway microbiome was determined. However, there were differences in microbiological and antibiotic-resistance profiles, depending on the station. The station’s operational period since opening correlated with the taxonomic diversity and resistance of the identified bacteria. Moreover, differences between aerosol and surface bacterial communities were found at the two subway stations, indicating the importance of diversified sampling during the microbiome profiling of public areas. In this study, we also compared our data with previously published results obtained for the Moscow subway. Despite sample collection at different stations and seasons, we showed the presence of 15 common genera forming the core microbiome of the Moscow subway, which represents human commensal species, as well as widespread microorganisms from the surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Pochtovyi
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.A.P.); (V.A.G.); Tel.: +7-499-193-30-01 (A.A.P.)
| | - Daria V. Vasina
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Bakhtiyar I. Verdiev
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Alexey M. Shchetinin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Anton G. Yuzhakov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center VIEV”, 109428 Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman S. Ovchinnikov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
- Laboratory of Mycology and Antibiotics, Federal Research Center “All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine (VIEV) Named after K.I. Skryabin and Y.R. Kovalenko“ of Russian Academy of Science, 109428 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem P. Tkachuk
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Vladimir A. Gushchin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (A.A.P.); (V.A.G.); Tel.: +7-499-193-30-01 (A.A.P.)
| | - Alexander L. Gintsburg
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N F Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (D.V.V.); (B.I.V.); (A.M.S.); (A.G.Y.); (R.S.O.); (A.P.T.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Infectiology and Virology, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I M Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Facile Route to Effective Antimicrobial Aluminum Oxide Layer Realized by Co-Deposition with Silver Nitrate. COATINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings12010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The emergence and spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced the focus of attention on a significant issue: the realization of antimicrobial surfaces for public spaces, which do not require extensive use of disinfectants. Silver represents one of the most used elements in this context, thanks to its excellent biocidal performance. This work describes a simple method for the realization of anodized aluminum layers, whose antimicrobial features are ensured by the co-deposition with silver nitrate. The durability and the chemical resistance of the samples were evaluated by means of several accelerated degradation tests, such as the exposure in a salt spray chamber, the contact with synthetic sweat and the scrub test, highlighting the residual influence of silver in altering the protective behavior of the alumina layers. Furthermore, the ISO 22196:2011 standard was used as the reference protocol to set up an assay to measure the effective antibacterial activity of the alumina-Ag layers against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, even at low concentrations of silver. Finally, the Ag-containing aluminum oxide layers exhibited excellent antimicrobial performances also following the chemical–physical degradation processes, ensuring good durability over time of the antimicrobial surfaces. Overall, this work introduces a simple route for the realization of anodized aluminum surfaces with excellent antibacterial properties.
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Perquin MN, Taylor M, Lorusso J, Kolasinski J. Directional biases in whole hand motion perception revealed by mid-air tactile stimulation. Cortex 2021; 142:221-236. [PMID: 34280867 PMCID: PMC8422163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many emerging technologies are attempting to leverage the tactile domain to convey complex spatiotemporal information translated directly from the visual domain, such as shape and motion. Despite the intuitive appeal of touch for communication, we do not know to what extent the hand can substitute for the retina in this way. Here we ask whether the tactile system can be used to perceive complex whole hand motion stimuli, and whether it exhibits the same kind of established perceptual biases as reported in the visual domain. Using ultrasound stimulation, we were able to project complex moving dot percepts onto the palm in mid-air, over 30 cm above an emitter device. We generated dot kinetogram stimuli involving motion in three different directional axes ('Horizontal', 'Vertical', and 'Oblique') on the ventral surface of the hand. Using Bayesian statistics, we found clear evidence that participants were able to discriminate tactile motion direction. Furthermore, there was a marked directional bias in motion perception: participants were both better and more confident at discriminating motion in the vertical and horizontal axes of the hand, compared to those stimuli moving obliquely. This pattern directly mirrors the perceptional biases that have been robustly reported in the visual field, termed the 'Oblique Effect'. These data demonstrate the existence of biases in motion perception that transcend sensory modality. Furthermore, we extend the Oblique Effect to a whole hand scale, using motion stimuli presented on the broad and relatively low acuity surface of the palm, away from the densely innervated and much studied fingertips. These findings highlight targeted ultrasound stimulation as a versatile method to convey potentially complex spatial and temporal information without the need for a user to wear or touch a device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlou N Perquin
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK; Biopsychology & Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Germany; Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Germany.
| | - Mason Taylor
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Jarred Lorusso
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - James Kolasinski
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK
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14
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Auto-Disinfectant Acrylic Paints Functionalised with Triclosan and Isoborneol-Antibacterial Assessment. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13132197. [PMID: 34279341 PMCID: PMC8272206 DOI: 10.3390/polym13132197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental surface contamination with microorganisms is a serious concern worldwide. Triclosan and isoborneol present good antimicrobial activity. Their immobilisation to paint substrates allows for development of a material that stays effective over a longer time. In this work, we disclosed the preliminary studies to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the active molecule after being functionalised with isocyanates for further immobilisation on the paint substrate. Overall, the newly developed non-release antimicrobial coating provides an effective way of preventing the spread of diseases and has been proven to inhibit bacterial growth and with a considerable antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus, E. coli, and K. variicola at the tested concentrations.
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15
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Madsen AM, Phan HUT, Laursen M, White JK, Uhrbrand K. Evaluation of Methods for Sampling of Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcus Species from Indoor Surfaces. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:1020-1034. [PMID: 32968799 PMCID: PMC7750978 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing public and occupational health concern. As transmission of MRSA can occur via contact with fomites, it is crucial to have sensitive methods for sampling of bacteria. The overall aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about methods and strategies for quantitative sampling Staphylococcus species on surfaces. Methods The study was designed as a comparative sampling experiment with different samplers [dipslide (two agar types), swabs (three brands, used wet and dry, and elution from swabs or plate diluted)] on smooth stainless steel surfaces spiked with MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Furthermore, bacteria sampled from indoor surfaces with frequent or infrequent contact with hands were quantified and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Results Pre-moistened swabs in combination with dilution plating and dipslides were more sensitive than dry swabs. For recovery of MRSA and MSSA from surfaces with eSwabs, at least 0.3–100 CFU MRSA cm−2 and 5.3–8.6 CFU MSSA cm−2 should be present. The sensitivities of pre-moistened eSwabs were approximately 10-fold higher than those of dipslides and pre-moistened viscose and cotton swabs. The variation in concentrations of Staphylococcus species in replicate sampling of adjacent squares on indoor surfaces was higher for surfaces frequently touched by hands than for surfaces infrequently touched. In total 16 different Staphylococcus species were identified, and S. aureus was found only in 2 of 66 surface samples. A considerable overlap was found between species in replicate sampling within an environment and between the air and surfaces within an environment. Conclusions Pre-moistened eSwabs in combination with dilution plating were found to be the best method for surface sampling of MSSA and MRSA. The method can be used for assessing the risk of exposure and transmission of MRSA from environmental surfaces. To obtain a reliable measure of concentrations and the presence of Staphylococccus species a higher number of samples should be taken from surfaces with hand contact than from surfaces dominated by sedimented bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Hoang U T Phan
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mathias Laursen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - John K White
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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16
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Mahanta U, Khandelwal M, Deshpande AS. Antimicrobial surfaces: a review of synthetic approaches, applicability and outlook. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE 2021; 56:17915-17941. [PMID: 34393268 PMCID: PMC8354584 DOI: 10.1007/s10853-021-06404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The rapid spread of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be extremely detrimental and can lead to seasonal epidemics or even pandemic situations. In addition, these microorganisms may bring about fouling of food and essential materials resulting in substantial economic losses. Typically, the microorganisms get transmitted by their attachment and growth on various household and high contact surfaces such as doors, switches, currency. To prevent the rapid spread of microorganisms, it is essential to understand the interaction between various microbes and surfaces which result in their attachment and growth. Such understanding is crucial in the development of antimicrobial surfaces. Here, we have reviewed different approaches to make antimicrobial surfaces and correlated surface properties with antimicrobial activities. This review concentrates on physical and chemical modification of the surfaces to modulate wettability, surface topography, and surface charge to inhibit microbial adhesion, growth, and proliferation. Based on these aspects, antimicrobial surfaces are classified into patterned surfaces, functionalized surfaces, superwettable surfaces, and smart surfaces. We have critically discussed the important findings from systems of developing antimicrobial surfaces along with the limitations of the current research and the gap that needs to be bridged before these approaches are put into practice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10853-021-06404-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urbashi Mahanta
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502285 Telangana India
| | - Mudrika Khandelwal
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502285 Telangana India
| | - Atul Suresh Deshpande
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, 502285 Telangana India
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17
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Arjyal C, KC J, Neupane S. Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Shrines. Int J Microbiol 2020; 2020:7981648. [PMID: 32190054 PMCID: PMC7068152 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7981648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in human beings and animals is concerning; it stands out as one of the leading agents causing nosocomial and community infections. Also, marginally increasing drug resistance in MRSA has limited therapeutic options. This study focuses on estimating the prevalence of MRSA in shrines, a place where human and animal interaction is frequent, sharing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic-resistant genes, and diseases. A total of 120 environmental swabs were collected from targeted areas during the study period, March 2018 to May 2018. Staphylococcus aureus was identified by growth on mannitol salt agar (MSA), and MRSA by growth on mannitol salt agar containing 4 μg Oxacillin, Gram staining, and conventional biochemical test. Isolates of S. aureus were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) proportion were 19% and 81%, respectively; a high rate of MRSA was observed in isolates from Thapathali (28.6%). MSSA isolates showed a high rate of resistance to erythromycin (64.7%). MRSA isolates were resistant to gentamicin (50%), cotrimoxazole (25%), erythromycin (50%), and ciprofloxacin (25%). The isolates were susceptible to linezolid (100%), clindamycin (100%), ciprofloxacin (75%), erythromycin (50%), tetracycline (100%), and cotrimoxazole (75%). Intermediate resistance was also found in gentamicin (50%). Of the 11 MSSA isolates that were erythromycin resistant and clindamycin sensitive, 6 (54.5%) showed the inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) pattern and 2 MRSA isolates that were erythromycin resistant and clindamycin sensitive showed ICR pattern. Fifteen MSSA isolates were β-lactamase positive, whereas only two MRSA isolates showed β-lactamase production. There exists a minimal research work on infectious diseases that are shared between primates and animals. This study suggests the pervasiveness of MRSA/MSSA in the shrines, which may be a primary place for pathogen exchange between humans and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Arjyal
- Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jyoti KC
- Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shreya Neupane
- Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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18
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Idris A, Cutler RR. The presence of multidrug-resistant staphylococcal isolates outside of a major hospital in London, United Kingdom. Cent Eur J Public Health 2020; 27:340-344. [PMID: 31951696 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug-resistant staphylococci have been a growing threat to the community and hospitals due to the misuse of antibiotics by humans, industrialisation and lack of novel antimicrobials currently available. Little is known about the prevalence of drug-resistant staphylococci in non-healthcare environments outside hospitals in the London area. Staphylococci can spread via contact with contaminated objects. Traffic light buttons present a fast and easy transmission route for staphylococci. METHODS Traffic light buttons outside a major hospital in London were swabbed and cultured onto selective media to isolate staphylococci bacteria before performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on the isolates. The identity of the isolates were determined using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Staphylococci isolates resistant to oxacillin were further tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). PCR analysis of the mecA gene, a gene that confers resistance to oxacillin, is used to determine the level of resistance to oxacillin. RESULTS Eight different staphylococcal species were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Out of the 66 staphylococci isolates, 16 were resistant to multiple antibiotics including six isolates which were oxacillin resistant. CONCLUSION This work provides evidence of the presence of multidrug-resistant staphylococci in the vicinity of the hospital environment in London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Idris
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Brunei Darussalam University, Brunei Darussalam.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Ron R Cutler
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Kozajda A, Jeżak K, Kapsa A. Airborne Staphylococcus aureus in different environments-a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:34741-34753. [PMID: 31654301 PMCID: PMC6900272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the literature review was to describe the environments where the presence of airborne Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed and to catalogue the most often used methods and conditions of bioaerosol sampling to identify the bacteria. The basis for searching of studies on S. aureus in the bioaerosol in different environments was PubMed database resources from the years 1990-2019 (May). The review included studies which were carried on in selected environments: hospitals and other health care facilities, large-scale animal breeding, wastewater treatment plants, residential areas, educational institutions, and other public places. The highest concentrations and genetic diversity of identified S. aureus strains, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), have been shown in large-scale animal breeding. The role of the airborne transmission in dissemination of infection caused by these pathogens is empirically confirmed in environmental studies. Commonly available, well-described, and relatively inexpensive methods of sampling, identification, and subtyping guarantee a high reliability of results and allow to obtain fast and verifiable outcomes in environmental studies on air transmission routes of S. aureus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kozajda
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy Str, 91-348, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Karolina Jeżak
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy Str, 91-348, Łódź, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kapsa
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy Str, 91-348, Łódź, Poland
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20
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Bhattacharjee S, Joshi R, Chughtai AA, Macintyre CR. Graphene Modified Multifunctional Personal Protective Clothing. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2019; 6:1900622. [PMID: 32313805 PMCID: PMC7161773 DOI: 10.1002/admi.201900622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective clothing is intended to protect the wearer from various hazards (mechanical, biological, chemical, thermal, radiological, etc.) and inhospitable environmental conditions that may cause harm or even death. There are various types of personal protective clothing, manufactured with different materials based on hazards and end user requirements. Conventional protective clothing has impediments such as high weight, bulky nature, lack of mobility, heat stress, low heat dissipation, high physical stress, diminishing dexterity, diminishing scope of vision, lack of breathability, and reduced protection against pathogens and hazards. By virtue of the superlative properties of graphene, fabrics modified with this material can be an effective means to overcome these limitations and to improve properties such as mechanical strength, antibacterial activity, flame resistance, conductivity, and UV resistance. The limitations of conventional personal protective equipment are discussed, followed by necessary measures which might be taken to improve personal protective equipment (PPE), the unique properties of graphene, methods of graphene incorporation in fabrics, and the current research status and potential of graphene-modified performance textiles relevant to PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity ProgramThe Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringNoakhali Science and Technology UniversityNoakhali3814Bangladesh
| | - Rakesh Joshi
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chandini Raina Macintyre
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
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21
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Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus in public transport in Bratislava, Slovakia. ACTA CHIMICA SLOVACA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acs-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is evidence that the transmission of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus between the community and environmental surfaces still exists. Even the means of this transmission remain uncertain, the public transport system may serve as a potential source of different bacteria, and the contact with contaminated public surfaces may increase the risk for bacterial diseases emergence. This study aimed to investigate S. aureus contamination on Bratislava’s public transport vehicles. Forty samples of hand-touched surfaces were collected during December 2015 and March 2017 by using surface sampling method. S. aureus was detected in all analysed swabs. Simultaneously, antibiotic resistance of S. aureus from swabs was evaluated. Of 40 samples, only 23 % did not contain S. aureus resistant to some of 10 analysed antibiotics. On the other hand, the severe prevalence of highly resistant S. aureus to penicillin, methicillin, ampicillin, and cefoxitin was confirmed. 15 % of isolates displayed resistance to at least three antimicrobial classes. The amount of S. aureus was not significantly influenced by the lines or by the analysed surface (grabs rails or on-board stop buttons). However, there was a statistically significant effect of year period, both between samples from December and March and between samples from the same month but different year. The study confirmed the widespread occurrence of resistant S. aureus in public transport vehicles in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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22
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Potential Pathogenic Bacterial Contaminants of Doors Handles and Computers Keyboards in the Faculty Environment. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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23
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Querido MM, Aguiar L, Neves P, Pereira CC, Teixeira JP. Self-disinfecting surfaces and infection control. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 178:8-21. [PMID: 30822681 PMCID: PMC7127218 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to World Health Organization, every year in the European Union, 4 million patients acquire a healthcare associated infection. Even though some microorganisms represent no threat to healthy people, hospitals harbor different levels of immunocompetent individuals, namely patients receiving immunosuppressors, with previous infections, or those with extremes of age (young children and elderly), requiring the implementation of effective control measures. Public spaces have also been found an important source of infectious disease outbreaks due to poor or none infection control measures applied. In both places, surfaces play a major role on microorganisms' propagation, yet they are very often neglected, with very few guidelines about efficient cleaning measures and microbiological assessment available. To overcome surface contamination problems, new strategies are being designed to limit the microorganisms' ability to survive over surfaces and materials. Surface modification and/or functionalization to prevent contamination is a hot-topic of research and several different approaches have been developed lately. Surfaces with anti-adhesive properties, with incorporated antimicrobial substances or modified with biological active metals are some of the strategies recently proposed. This review intends to summarize the problems associated with contaminated surfaces and their importance on infection spreading, and to present some of the strategies developed to prevent this public health problem, namely some already being commercialized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Machado Querido
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lívia Aguiar
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Neves
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Costa Pereira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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24
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Potential Bacterial Contaminants in the Handles of Car Doors. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.12.4.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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West GF, Resendiz M, Lustik MB, Nahid MA. Bacterial Contamination of Military and Civilian Uniforms in an Emergency Department. J Emerg Nurs 2018; 45:169-177.e1. [PMID: 30573161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergency department is a fast-paced, high-volume environment, serving patients with diverse and evolving acuities. Personnel providing direct care are continually exposed to pathogenic microorganisms from patients and everyday surfaces, to which the organisms may spread. Indeed, hospital items-such as electronic devices, stethoscopes, and staff clothing-have demonstrated high rates of contamination. Despite this, policies governing the use, disinfection, and wear of various environmental surfaces remain relaxed, vague, and/or difficult to enforce. This study aimed to examine the bacterial contamination on 2 hospital uniform types in a large military hospital within the emergency department. METHODS Environmental sampling of military and civilian nursing staff uniforms was performed on 2 separate occasions. Emergency nurses wore hospital-provided freshly laundered scrubs on the first sampling day and home-laundered personally owned uniforms complicit with ED policy on the second sampling day. Samples were collected by impressing of contact blood agar growth medium at arrival (0 hour), 4 hours, and 8 hours of wear. Microbiological methods were used to enumerate and identify bacterial colonies. RESULTS Bacterial contamination of personally owned uniforms was significantly higher than freshly laundered hospital-provided scrubs on 4 different sampling sites and across the span of an 8-hour workday. No significant differences were observed between military and civilian personally owned uniforms. However, several risk factors for nosocomial infection were increased in the military subgroup. DISCUSSION Re-evaluating organizational factors (such as uniform policies) that increase the propensity for pathogenic contamination are critical for mitigating the spread and acquisition of multidrug-resistant organisms in the emergency department.
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Valiei A, Okshevsky M, Lin N, Tufenkji N. Anodized Aluminum with Nanoholes Impregnated with Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Can Kill Pathogenic Bacteria within Seconds of Contact. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:41207-41214. [PMID: 30395430 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b17634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial contamination of surfaces results in the spread of pathogens in public spaces such as hospitals and public transport. The development of antibacterial surfaces that rapidly kill bacteria is therefore highly desirable. Here, we investigate the antibacterial efficacy of a novel anodized aluminum surface featuring nanoholes impregnated with quaternary ammonium compounds, referred to as A3S. The antimicrobial activity of A3S was assessed using both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in a novel assay which simulates pathogen transfer from a contaminated "finger" to a clean finger in a real-world scenario. Enumeration of colony-forming units shows that the number of viable bacteria on the second "finger" contacting A3S is significantly reduced compared to a control surface. Furthermore, bacterial contact with the A3S material results in compromised cell membranes in less than 1 min, and a kill zone assay shows that an exposure time as short as 5 s is sufficient to kill pathogenic bacteria. The rapid antimicrobial action of A3S was particularly evident against Gram-positive bacteria, that account for more than 70% of nosocomial infections. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that A3S is a promising candidate for the fabrication of antibacterial surfaces that can be used in a wide range of clinical and commercial applications to stop the spread of harmful bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Valiei
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McGill University , 3610 University Street , Montréal , Québec H3A 0C5 , Canada
| | - Mira Okshevsky
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McGill University , 3610 University Street , Montréal , Québec H3A 0C5 , Canada
| | - Nicholas Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McGill University , 3610 University Street , Montréal , Québec H3A 0C5 , Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering , McGill University , 3610 University Street , Montréal , Québec H3A 0C5 , Canada
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Chen Z, Han C, Huang X, Liu Y, Guo D, Ye X. A molecular epidemiological study of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus contamination in the airport environment. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:2363-2375. [PMID: 30538504 PMCID: PMC6251466 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s178584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a wide variety of serious infections worldwide. There are few studies on the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and molecular characteristics of MRSA contamination in the environment of airports. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Environmental surface sampling was conducted in frequently touched locations for S. aureus analysis. All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, and virulence genes. Data were analyzed by chi-squared test and correspondence analysis. RESULTS Of the 1,054 surface samples, the contamination rate was 7.2% (76/1,054) for S. aureus and 2.2% (23/1,054) for MRSA. There were 62.9% (56/89) S. aureus isolates classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), with six linezolid-resistant isolates and two cfr-carrying isolates. The most prevalent S. aureus genotypes were CC6 (ST6), CC59 (ST59), and CC188 (ST188), with ST59-MRSA-IV (pvl-) as the predominant MRSA. There were significant differences between methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive isolates in rates of resistance to tetracycline (P<0.001) and sek carriage (P=0.029). The correspondence analyses revealed significant corresponding relationships between genotypes and phenotype-genotype characteristics of S. aureus isolates. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a potential risk of cross-transmission of MRSA between human beings and environments, suggesting more stringent contamination control measures. In addition, this study revealed significant corresponding relationships between genotypes and phenotype-genotype characteristics of S. aureus isolates, which may provide new ideas for monitoring the latest epidemiological trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
| | - Changlin Han
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
| | - Yangqun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
| | - Dan Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
| | - Xiaohua Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China,
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Patel K, Bailey C, Harding AH, Biggin M, Crook B. Background levels of micro-organisms in the busy urban environment of transport hubs. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:1541-1551. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K.V. Patel
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - C.L. Bailey
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - A.-H. Harding
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - M. Biggin
- Safety Technical and Engineering; Network Rail; Milton Keynes UK
| | - B. Crook
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
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Aires-de-Sousa M, Rodrigues S, Conceição T, de Lencastre H. Evaluation of Different Screening Methodologies for the Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Environmental Surfaces: Swabs, Gauzes, and Polywipes. Microb Drug Resist 2018; 24:585-589. [PMID: 29653476 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2017.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can survive for long periods on inanimate objects, and therefore, environmental surfaces constitute an important reservoir for dissemination. However, there is no standardized method for the detection of MRSA from environmental surfaces. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different screening methods to detect environmental MRSA contamination. A total of 294 samples were obtained from inanimate surfaces at a hospital in Luanda, Angola, and a hospital in São Tomé and Príncipe, by three different methodologies: (1) sterile swabs moistened in saline solution, (2) sterile cotton gauzes moistened in tryptic soy broth, and (3) commercial premoistened sterile sponges (polywipes). After a broth enrichment step, all samples were plated onto tryptic soy agar and chromogenic selective media for S. aureus and for MRSA. The S. aureus isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing, and SCCmec typing. Comparing the three screening methods, gauzes were the most effective (16 S. aureus out of 98 samples; 16.3%), followed by polywipes (4/98; 4.1%) and swabs (3/98; 3.1%). Moistened gauzes were the most sensitive method (p < 0.00001), while screening with swabs was the least efficient (p = 0.00002). The majority of the MRSA isolates (75%) belonged to the main clonal types previously found among patients and healthcare workers in the same hospitals: ST5-IVa (n = 7; 44%) and ST88-IVa (n = 5; 31%). The finding of MRSA on environmental surfaces is dependent on the screening methodology. Moistened gauzes followed by a broth enrichment step proved to be the most sensitive methodology compared to polywipes and swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Aires-de-Sousa
- 1 Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (ESSCVP) , Lisboa, Portugal .,2 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB) , Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Suzilaine Rodrigues
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB) , Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Teresa Conceição
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB) , Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Herminia de Lencastre
- 2 Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB) , Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal .,3 Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University , New York, New York
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Shamarina D, Stoyantcheva I, Mason CE, Bibby K, Elhaik E. Communicating the promise, risks, and ethics of large-scale, open space microbiome and metagenome research. MICROBIOME 2017; 5:132. [PMID: 28978331 PMCID: PMC5628477 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The public commonly associates microorganisms with pathogens. This suspicion of microorganisms is understandable, as historically microorganisms have killed more humans than any other agent while remaining largely unknown until the late seventeenth century with the works of van Leeuwenhoek and Kircher. Despite our improved understanding regarding microorganisms, the general public are apt to think of diseases rather than of the majority of harmless or beneficial species that inhabit our bodies and the built and natural environment. As long as microbiome research was confined to labs, the public's exposure to microbiology was limited. The recent launch of global microbiome surveys, such as the Earth Microbiome Project and MetaSUB (Metagenomics and Metadesign of Subways and Urban Biomes) project, has raised ethical, financial, feasibility, and sustainability concerns as to the public's level of understanding and potential reaction to the findings, which, done improperly, risk negative implications for ongoing and future investigations, but done correctly, can facilitate a new vision of "smart cities." To facilitate improved future research, we describe here the major concerns that our discussions with ethics committees, community leaders, and government officials have raised, and we expound on how to address them. We further discuss ethical considerations of microbiome surveys and provide practical recommendations for public engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Shamarina
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - Iana Stoyantcheva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Kyle Bibby
- University of Notre Dame Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dameᅟ, IN 46556 USA
| | - Eran Elhaik
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
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Sportelli MC, Picca RA, Paladini F, Mangone A, Giannossa LC, Franco CD, Gallo AL, Valentini A, Sannino A, Pollini M, Cioffi N. Spectroscopic Characterization and Nanosafety of Ag-Modified Antibacterial Leather and Leatherette. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 7:E203. [PMID: 28758912 PMCID: PMC5575685 DOI: 10.3390/nano7080203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of antibacterial coatings is of great interest from both industry and the consumer's point of view. In this study, we characterized tanned leather and polyurethane leatherette, typically employed in the automotive and footwear industries, which were modified by photo-deposition of antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Material surface chemical composition was investigated in detail by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The material's antibacterial capability was checked against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as representative microorganisms in cross transmissions. Due to the presence of silver in a nanostructured form, nanosafety issues were considered, as well. Ionic release in contact media, as well as whole nanoparticle release from treated materials, were quantitatively evaluated, thus providing specific information on potential product nanotoxicity, which was further investigated through cytocompatibility MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays, also after surface abrasion of the materials. The proved negligible nanoparticle release, as well as the controlled release of antibacterial ions, shed light on the materials' potentialities, in terms of both high activity and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Sportelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
- CNR-IFN U.O.S. Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Anna Picca
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Federica Paladini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Università del Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Annarosa Mangone
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Lorena Carla Giannossa
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Anna Lucia Gallo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Università del Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Antonio Valentini
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Università del Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Mauro Pollini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Università del Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Nicola Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
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Vriesekoop F, Chen J, Oldaker J, Besnard F, Smith R, Leversha W, Smith-Arnold C, Worrall J, Rufray E, Yuan Q, Liang H, Scannell A, Russell C. Dirty Money: A Matter of Bacterial Survival, Adherence, and Toxicity. Microorganisms 2016; 4:microorganisms4040042. [PMID: 27886085 PMCID: PMC5192525 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we report the underlying reasons to why bacteria are present on banknotes and coins. Despite the use of credit cards, mobile phone apps, near-field-communication systems, and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins which are replacing the use of hard currencies, cash exchanges still make up a significant means of exchange for a wide range of purchases. The literature is awash with data that highlights that both coins and banknotes are frequently identified as fomites for a wide range of microorganisms. However, most of these publications fail to provide any insight into the extent to which bacteria adhere and persist on money. We treated the various currencies used in this study as microcosms, and the bacterial loading from human hands as the corresponding microbiome. We show that the substrate from which banknotes are produced have a significant influence on both the survival and adherence of bacteria to banknotes. Smooth, polymer surfaces provide a poor means of adherence and survival, while coarser and more fibrous surfaces provide strong bacterial adherence and an environment to survive on. Coins were found to be strongly inhibitory to bacteria with a relatively rapid decline in survival on almost all coin surfaces tested. The inhibitory influence of coins was demonstrated through the use of antimicrobial disks made from coins. Despite the toxic effects of coins on many bacteria, bacteria do have the ability to adapt to the presence of coins in their environment which goes some way to explain the persistent presence of low levels of bacteria on coins in circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Vriesekoop
- Department of Food Science and Agri-food Supply Chain Management, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK.
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
- School of Life Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Jenna Oldaker
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
| | - Flavien Besnard
- Department of Food Science and Agri-food Supply Chain Management, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK.
| | - Reece Smith
- Department of Food Science and Agri-food Supply Chain Management, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK.
| | - William Leversha
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
| | | | - Julie Worrall
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
| | - Emily Rufray
- School of Life Sciences, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Ballarat 3353, Australia.
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Hao Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Amalia Scannell
- College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin D04 V1W8, Ireland.
| | - Cryn Russell
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Eastern Institute of Technology, Taradale 4112, New Zealand.
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Lin J, Lin D, Xu P, Zhang T, Ou Q, Bai C, Yao Z. Non-hospital environment contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: proportion meta-analysis and features of antibiotic resistance and molecular genetics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:528-540. [PMID: 27423707 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), survives in dry conditions and can persist for long periods on surfaces touched by humans. Studies that estimate the proportions and characteristics of S. aureus and MRSA contamination in non-hospital environments are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a proportion meta-analysis and reviewed the features of antibiotic resistance and molecular genetics. METHODS Articles published between January 2005 and December 2015 that studied proportions of S. aureus and MRSA contamination in non-hospital environments were retrieved from the Medline database, Ovid database and Science Direct database. All statistics were analyzed by STATA 14.1. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles were included. The overall proportions of S. aureus and MRSA contamination were 41.1% (95%CI 29-54%) and 8.6% (95%CI 5-13%), respectively. The proportion of MRSA contamination increased over time. From the articles, the proportion of Panton-Valentine Leukociden (PVL) genes among MRSA isolates was 54.5%, and the proportion of the qac gene was 100.0%. Distribution of the multilocus sequence type (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of MRSA indicated that MRSA strains were from both hospitals and communities. CONCLUSION The overall proportions of S. aureus and MRSA contamination in non-hospital environments were high. The outcomes of antibiotic resistance and high proportions of PVL genes indicated that the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus and MRSA were notable. According to the different distributions of MLST and SCCmec of MRSA, we can infer that cross-circulation is within hospitals, communities, and livestock. The results also show that the risk from the MRSA strains was cross-transmitted among the population. High proportions of the qac gene of MRSA might indicate that current disinfection of MRSA has not been achieved, and it might be better to further identify the efficiency of the sterilization processes in a non-hospital environment so that relevant departments can take measures to improve disinfection of MRSA in non-hospital environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Qianting Ou
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Chan Bai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Zhenjiang Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China.
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Gaymard A, Pichon M, Degaud M, Tasse J, Dupieux C, Laurent F. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the environment of public transport: data from the metropolitan network in Lyon, France. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:459-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to Identify Drug Resistant Staphylococcal Isolates from Nonhospital Environments in Brunei Darussalam. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2016; 2016:8685602. [PMID: 27127505 PMCID: PMC4834169 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8685602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistant bacteria have been a growing threat to the community and hospitals due to the misuse of antibiotics by humans, industrialization, and lack of novel antimicrobials currently available. Little is known about the prevalence of drug resistant bacteria in nonhealthcare environments in Brunei Darussalam and about how antibiotic resistant genes are transferred within these environments. Human contact points from different types of environments in Brunei Darussalam, varying from urban to jungle settings, were swabbed and cultured onto selective media to isolate staphylococci bacteria before performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on the isolates. The identity of the isolates was determined using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Staphylococci isolates resistant to oxacillin were further tested for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). PCR analysis of the mecA gene, a gene that confers resistance to oxacillin, is done to determine the level of resistance to oxacillin. Ten different staphylococcal species were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Out of the 36 staphylococci isolates, 24 were resistant to multiple antibiotics including two isolates which were oxacillin resistant. Some staphylococci isolates had similar antibiotic resistance profiles to other staphylococci isolates of different species in the same location. This work provides the first-ever evidence of drug resistant staphylococci in the nonhospital environment in Brunei Darussalam.
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Lack of Involvement of Fenton Chemistry in Death of Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Sensitive Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Destruction of Their Genomes on Wet or Dry Copper Alloy Surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:2132-2136. [PMID: 26826226 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03861-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of hospital-acquired infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has declined, but the evolution of strains with enhanced virulence and toxins and the increase of community-associated infections are still a threat. In previous studies, 10(7) MRSA bacteria applied as simulated droplet contamination were killed on copper and brass surfaces within 90 min. However, contamination of surfaces is often via finger tips and dries rapidly, and it may be overlooked by cleaning regimes (unlike visible droplets). In this new study, a 5-log reduction of a hardy epidemic strain of MRSA (epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus 16 [EMRSA-16]) was observed following 10 min of contact with copper, and a 4-log reduction was observed on copper nickel and cartridge brass alloys in 15 min. A methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strain from an osteomyelitis patient was killed on copper surfaces in 15 min, and 4-log and 3-log reductions occurred within 20 min of contact with copper nickel and cartridge brass, respectively. Bacterial respiration was compromised on copper surfaces, and superoxide was generated as part of the killing mechanism. In addition, destruction of genomic DNA occurs on copper and brass surfaces, allaying concerns about horizontal gene transfer and copper resistance. Incorporation of copper alloy biocidal surfaces may help to reduce the spread of this dangerous pathogen.
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Mitchell A, Spencer M, Edmiston C. Role of healthcare apparel and other healthcare textiles in the transmission of pathogens: a review of the literature. J Hosp Infect 2015; 90:285-92. [PMID: 25935701 PMCID: PMC7132459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) wear uniforms, such as scrubs and lab coats, for several reasons: (1) to identify themselves as hospital personnel to their patients and employers; (2) to display professionalism; and (3) to provide barrier protection for street clothes from unexpected exposures during the work shift. A growing body of evidence suggests that HCWs' apparel is often contaminated with micro-organisms or pathogens that can cause infections or illnesses. While the majority of scrubs and lab coats are still made of the same traditional textiles used to make street clothes, new evidence suggests that current innovative textiles function as an engineering control, minimizing the acquisition, retention and transmission of infectious pathogens by reducing the levels of bioburden and microbial sustainability. This paper summarizes recent literature on the role of apparel worn in healthcare settings in the acquisition and transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. It proposes solutions or technological interventions that can reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms that are associated with the healthcare environment. Healthcare apparel is the emerging frontier in epidemiologically important environmental surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mitchell
- International Safety Center, The Public's Health, Apopka, FL, USA.
| | - M Spencer
- Infection Preventionist Consultants, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Edmiston
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in public transportation vehicles (buses): another piece to the epidemiologic puzzle. Am J Infect Control 2014; 42:1285-90. [PMID: 25465258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the occurrence and epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in public transportation in the United States. This research sought to determine the background prevalence and phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of MRSA strains circulating on buses from a large, metropolitan transportation agency. METHODS Electrostatic wipes were used to collect 237 surface samples from 40 buses randomly selected from July-October 2010. Six samples were collected from each bus immediately postservice and before any cleaning and disinfection. Positive isolates were analyzed for antibiotic resistance, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; and potential epidemiologic factors were examined. RESULTS Of the buses, 68% (27/40) were contaminated with S aureus, and 63% (25/40) were contaminated with MRSA. Seats and seat rails were the surfaces most frequently contaminated, followed by the back door and stanchions. Most (62.9%) of the MRSA isolates were classified as community-associated MRSA clones (SCCmec type IV), and 22.9% were health care-associated MRSA clones (SCCmec type II). Of the MRSA strains, 65% (5/20) were multidrug resistant. CONCLUSION MRSA was frequently isolated from commonly touched surfaces in buses serving both hospital and community routes. Phenotypic and genotypic analysis demonstrated that buses may be effective mixing vessels for MRSA strains of both community and health care-associated origin.
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Antimicrobial behavior of Cu-bearing Zr-based bulk metallic glasses. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2014; 39:325-9. [PMID: 24863231 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial behavior of Cu-bearing Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) was investigated for the first time against the Gram positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus to evaluate their potential applications in healthcare settings. Despite their lack of bacteria-killing effect under a relatively severe experimental setting of dynamic immersion, the biocidal potency of the two Zr-based BMGs was demonstrated via a moist contact assay. There was a significant reduction in viable bacterial populations after 4h of contact on the Zr-based BMGs, which was evidenced by the pronounced reduction in viable bacterial populations. To understand the mechanism of cell death, a direct relationship was established between the killing efficiency and the ability of the substrate to release Cu ions. Findings in this study will direct the future design of antimicrobial BMGs with enhanced killing efficacy.
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Conceição T, Diamantino F, Coelho C, de Lencastre H, Aires-de-Sousa M. Contamination of public buses with MRSA in Lisbon, Portugal: a possible transmission route of major MRSA clones within the community. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77812. [PMID: 24223124 PMCID: PMC3819345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study we have shown that public buses in Oporto, the second largest city in Portugal, were highly contaminated with MRSA. Here we describe the results of a similar study performed in another urban area of Portugal–Lisbon, the capital. Between May 2011 and May 2012, hand touched surfaces of 199 public buses in Lisbon were screened for MRSA contamination. Subsequently, the hands of 575 passengers who frequently use these bus lines were also screened. All hand carriers of MRSA were further screened for nasal carriage. The isolates were characterized by PFGE, staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, spa typing, MLST and were tested for the presence of mecA, Panton-Valentine leukocidin and arginine catabolic mobile element genes. MRSA contamination was shown in 72 buses (36.2%). The majority of the isolates belonged to three major clones: Clone A was identified as EMRSA-15 defined by pattern PFGE A, spa types t2357/t747/t025/t379/t910, ST22, and SCCmec IVh (n = 21; 29%). Clone B was the New York/Japan clone characterized by PFGE B-t002/t10682-ST5-II (n = 15; 21%). Clone C included isolates with characteristics of the international community-acquired USA300 or related clones, PFGE C-t008-ST8-IVa/IVc/IVg/IVnt/VI (n = 19; 26%). The first two clones are currently the two major lineages circulating in Portuguese hospitals. The hands of 15 individuals were contaminated with MRSA belonging to the nosocomial clones A or B. Eleven of these individuals were not nasal carriers of MRSA and all but one had travelled by public transportation, namely by bus, prior to sampling. In conclusion, public buses in two major cities in Portugal are often contaminated with MRSA representing clones dominant in hospitals in the particular geographic area. MRSA contamination of public transport and the transfer of the bacteria to the hands of passengers may represent a route through which hospital-acquired MRSA clones may spread to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Conceição
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Diamantino
- Faculdade de Ciências e Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa (FCUL e CEAUL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Céline Coelho
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Hermínia de Lencastre
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Oeiras, Portugal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marta Aires-de-Sousa
- Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (ESSCVP), Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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DINGSDAG S, COLEMAN NV. Bacterial communities on food court tables and cleaning equipment in a shopping mall. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:1647-51. [PMID: 22995219 PMCID: PMC9151585 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812002142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The food court at a shopping mall is a potential transfer point for pathogenic microbes, but to date, this environment has not been the subject of detailed molecular microbiological study. We used a combination of culture-based and culture-independent approaches to investigate the types and numbers of bacteria present on food court tables, and on a food court cleaning cloth. Bacteria were found at 10²-10⁵ c.f.u./m² on food court tables and 10¹⁰ c.f.u./m² on the cleaning cloth. Tag-pyrosequencing of amplified 16S rRNA genes revealed that the dominant bacterial types on the cleaning cloth were genera known to include pathogenic species (Stenotrophomonas, Aeromonas), and that these genera were also evident at lower levels on table surfaces, suggesting possible cross-contamination. The evidence suggests a public health threat is posed by bacteria in the food court, and that this may be due to cross-contamination between cleaning equipment and table surfaces.
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MESH Headings
- Bacteria/classification
- Bacteria/genetics
- Bacteria/isolation & purification
- Bacteria, Aerobic/classification
- Bacteria, Aerobic/genetics
- Bacteria, Aerobic/isolation & purification
- Colony Count, Microbial/methods
- Commerce
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- New South Wales
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/metabolism
- Seasons
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- S. DINGSDAG
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - N. V. COLEMAN
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Australia
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Roberts MC, Soge OO, No D. Comparison of Multi-Drug Resistant Environmental Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Recreational Beaches and High Touch Surfaces in Built Environments. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:74. [PMID: 23577006 PMCID: PMC3616243 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a major cause of disease in the general population with no health care exposure or known classical risk factors for MRSA infections. The potential community reservoirs have not been well defined though certain strains such as ST398 and USA300 have been well studied in some settings. MRSA has been isolated from recreational beaches, high-touch surfaces in homes, universities, and other community environmental surfaces. However, in most cases the strains were not characterized to determine if they are related to community-acquired or hospital-acquired clinical strains. We compared 55 environmental MRSA from 805 samples including sand, fresh, and marine water samples from local marine and fresh water recreational beaches (n = 296), high touch surfaces on the University of Washington campus (n = 294), surfaces in UW undergraduate housing (n = 85), and the local community (n = 130). Eleven USA300, representing 20% of the isolates, were found on the UW campus surfaces, student housing surfaces, and on the community surfaces but not in the recreational beach samples from the Northwest USA. Similarly, the predominant animal ST133 was found in the recreational beach samples but not in the high touch surface samples. All USA300 isolates were multi-drug resistant carrying two to six different antibiotic resistance genes coding for kanamycin, macrolides and/or macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B, and tetracycline, with the majority (72%) carrying four to six different antibiotic resistance genes. A surprising 98% of the 55 MRSA isolates were resistant to other classes of antibiotics and most likely represent reservoirs for these genes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn C Roberts
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
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Yeh PJ, Simon DM, Millar JA, Alexander HF, Franklin D. A diversity of Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. in a Public Transportation System. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2011; 2:202-9. [PMID: 24159474 PMCID: PMC3767084 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrp.2011.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our goal was to determine the diversity and abundance of Staphylococcus bacteria on different components of a public transportation system in a mid-sized US city (Portland, Oregon) and to examine the level of drug resistance in these bacteria. METHODS We collected 70 samples from 2 cm × 4 cm sections from seven different areas on buses and trains in Portland, USA, taking 10 samples from each area. We isolated a subset of 14 suspected Staphylococcus spp. colonies based on phenotype, and constructed a phylogeny from16S rRNA sequences to assist in identification. We used the Kirbye-Bauer disk diffusion method to determine resistance levels to six common antibiotics. RESULTS We found a range of pathogenic Staphylococcus species. The mean bacterial colony counts were 97.1 on bus and train floors, 80.1 in cloth seats, 9.5 on handrails, 8.6 on seats and armrests at bus stops, 3.8 on the underside of seats, 2.2 on windows, and 1.8 on vinyl seats per 8 cm(2) sample area. These differences were significant (p < 0.001). Of the 14 isolates sequenced, 11 were staphylococci, and of these, five were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, while only two displayed intermediate resistance to bacitracin. All 11 isolates were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, and tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS We found six different strains of Staphylococcus, and while there were varying levels of drug resistance, we did not find extensive levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and no S. aureus was found. We found floors and cloth seats to be areas on buses and trains that showed particularly high levels of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J. Yeh
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dawn M. Simon
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jess A. Millar
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Darleen Franklin
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
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Characterization of staphylococci contaminating automated teller machines in Hong Kong. Epidemiol Infect 2011; 140:1366-71. [PMID: 22011397 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881100207x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental staphylococcal contamination was investigated by culture of 400 automated teller machines (ATMs). Isolates were characterized for antibiotic and antiseptic susceptibility, carriage of antiseptic resistance genes (QAC genes), and spa types. MRSA, which was similar to local clinical isolates, was present on two (0·5%) of the 62 (15·5%) ATMs that yielded Staphylococcus aureus. QAC genes were more common in coagulase-negative staphylococci (qacA/B 26·0%, smr 14%) than S. aureus (11·3% qacA/B, 1·6% smr). QAC-positive isolates had significantly higher minimum inhibitory concentrations/minimum bactericidal concentrations to benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine digluconate. QAC gene presence was significantly associated with methicillin and tetracycline resistance. Survival of staphylococci, including MRSA, on common access sites may be facilitated by low disinfectant concentrations, which select for disinfectant-tolerant strains, while co-selecting for antibiotic-resistance determinants. Disinfection procedures should be performed correctly to help prevent spread of resistant pathogens from reservoirs in the community.
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45
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Roberts MC, Soge OO, No D, Helgeson SE, Meschke JS. Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from public surfaces on a university campus, student homes and local community. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 110:1531-7. [PMID: 21447018 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05017.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Isolation and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from frequently touched nonhospital environmental surfaces at a large university, student homes and community sites. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four isolates from 21 (4·1%, n = 509) surfaces were MRSA positive and included 14 (58%, n = 24) SCCmec type IV, two (8%, n = 24) type I, and eight (33%, n = 24) were not type I-IV (NT). Six different multilocus sequencing types were identified by PCR and sequencing. PCR assays identified one (4·2%, n = 24) Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positive, 22 (92%, n = 24) arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) positive and 23 (96%, n = 24) multidrug-resistant (kanamycin, macrolide, tetracycline) MRSA isolates. Eleven (46%, n = 24) USA300 isolates were determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. CONCLUSION The MRSA-positive environmental surfaces were identified in student homes (11·8%, n = 85), the community (2·3%, n = 130) and the university (2·7%, n = 294). USA300 strains were isolated from the university, student homes and community samples. This is the first report of the animal clone ST97 on urban environmental surfaces. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The study highlights the distribution of USA300 on frequently touched surfaces. Whether contact with these MRSA contaminated environmental surfaces are associated with increased risk of transmission of MRSA to people needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Roberts
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7234, USA.
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Simões RR, Aires-de-Sousa M, Conceição T, Antunes F, da Costa PM, de Lencastre H. High prevalence of EMRSA-15 in Portuguese public buses: a worrisome finding. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17630. [PMID: 21407807 PMCID: PMC3047573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nosocomial prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Portugal remains one of the highest in Europe and is currently around 50%. Transmission of S. aureus, including MRSA, occurs principally by direct human-to-human skin contact. However, S. aureus can survive for long periods on inanimate objects, which may represent an important reservoir for dissemination as well. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between May 2009 and February 2010, handrails of 85 public urban buses circulating in Oporto, Portugal, were screened for the occurrence of MRSA. Twenty-two (26%) buses showed MRSA contamination. The molecular characterization of a total of 55 MRSA, by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, spa typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), clustered the isolates into three clonal types. However, the overwhelming majority (n = 50; 91%) of the isolates belonged to a single clone (PFGE A, spa types t747, t032, t025 or t020, ST22, SCCmec type IVh) that exhibits the characteristics of the pandemic EMRSA-15, currently the major lineage circulating in Portuguese hospitals, namely in the Oporto region. Two additional clones were found but in much lower numbers: (i) PFGE B, ST5, spa type t002, SCCmec IVa (n = 3), and (ii) PFGE C, spa type t008, ST8, SCCmec IVa (n = 2). None of the 55 isolates was PVL positive. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Public buses in Oporto seem to be an important reservoir of MRSA of nosocomial origin, providing evidence that the major hospital-associated MRSA clone in Portugal is escaping from the primary ecological niche of hospitals to the community environment. Infection control measures are urgently warranted to limit the spread of EMRSA-15 to the general population and future studies are required to assess the eventual increase of MRSA in the Portuguese community, which so far remains low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roméo Rocha Simões
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Conceição
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa Antunes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Martins da Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
- CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Hermínia de Lencastre
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Callahan K, Beck N, Duffield E, Shin G, Meschke J. Inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) on various environmental surfaces by mist application of a stabilized chlorine dioxide and quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2010; 7:529-534. [PMID: 20574884 PMCID: PMC7196689 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2010.487806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated environmental surfaces are important reservoirs in the transmission of many human pathogens. Although several options exist for disinfecting contaminated environmental surfaces, few are compatible with use on both hard smooth non-porous (hard) and soft porous surfaces (soft) while still offering significant disinfection of the contaminating organisms. This study evaluated the efficacy of mist application of a stabilized chlorine dioxide and quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant (Cryocide20) for inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) on various environmental surfaces. MRSA and VRE were applied to hard and soft surfaces (glass, steel, tile, carpet, and cotton fabric), allowed to dry, and exposed to a uniform mist application of the disinfectant solution. After 1 hr of contact time, the residual disinfectant was neutralized, and the bacteria were recovered and enumerated on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar. Reduction of both test bacteria was observed on most of the hard and soft surfaces tested. Log(10) reduction of the organisms tended to be higher on steel, tile, and carpet than glass or cotton. Overall, these results suggest that mist application of Cryocide20 disinfectant may be an effective option for reduction of low levels of infectious bacterial pathogens from contaminated environmental surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.L. Callahan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - N.K. Beck
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - E.A. Duffield
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - G. Shin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - J.S. Meschke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Patrick ME, Mahon BE, Zansky SM, Hurd S, Scallan E. Riding in shopping carts and exposure to raw meat and poultry products: prevalence of, and factors associated with, this risk factor for salmonella and campylobacter infection in children younger than 3 years. J Food Prot 2010; 73:1097-100. [PMID: 20537266 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-73.6.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Riding in a shopping cart next to raw meat or poultry is a risk factor for Salmonella and Campylobacter infections in infants. To describe the frequency of, and factors associated with, this behavior, we surveyed parents of children aged younger than 3 years in Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network sites. We defined exposure as answering yes to one of a series of questions asking if packages of raw meat or poultry were near a child in a shopping cart, or if a child was in the cart basket at the same time as was raw meat or poultry. Among 1,273 respondents, 767 (60%) reported that their children visited a grocery store in the past week and rode in shopping carts. Among these children, 103 (13%) were exposed to raw products. Children who rode in the baskets were more likely to be exposed than were those who rode only in the seats (odds ratio [OR], 17.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0 to 28.9). In a multivariate model, riding in the basket (OR, 15.5; 95% CI, 9.2 to 26.1), income less than $55,000 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.1), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.5) were associated with exposure. Our study shows that children can be exposed to raw meat and poultry products while riding in shopping carts. Parents should separate children from raw products and place children in the seats rather than in the baskets of the cart. Retailer use of leak-proof packaging, customer placement of product in a plastic bag and on the rack underneath the cart, use of hand sanitizers and wipes, and consumer education may also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Patrick
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS C-23, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
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