Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, doorknobs, door handles, library

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an evolved strain of Staphylococcus aureus, is linked to multiple morbidities. Fomites serve as the primary vehicle of the spread of microbes, including MRSA. Hence, high contact surfaces, particularly those in public areas are the major suspects in the spread of disease. With fomites having regular interaction with humans, doorknobs are found to have the highest bacterial contamination, with a total score of 22.76%. A study states that Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the leading isolated sample from the swabs they have collected from door handles, railings, and other points of contact with 17% of their isolates found to be MRSA. Furthermore, the recent emergence of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has become significant in overall MRSA infections. This study aims to investigate the presence and prevalence of MRSA in the doorknobs and door handles of Romeo P. Ariniego, MD, AFSC Library; determine the specific time and area in which MRSA is prevalent; and discern the difference between the time of day and area in terms of the growth of MRSA. A step-by-step methodology was followed to isolate MRSA. Inoculation to tryptic soy broths (TSB), blood agar plates (BAP), mannitol salt agars (MSA), and Mueller-Hinton agars (MHA) were all done. Gram staining, catalase tests, and coagulation tests were also performed. Analysis of the results presented that Romeo P. Ariniego, MD, AFSC Library has 0.00% presence and prevalence of MRSA. Hence, the study proves that the institution is safe from MRSA

First Advisor

Carolina B. Capili

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