Hygiena 2025, 70(2):48-53 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1882

Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on frequently touched surfaces in a university environment

Kristýna Brodíková, Iveta Adámková, Renáta Karpíšková
Ústav veřejného zdraví, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova Univerzita, Brno, Česká republika

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in a university campus environment. Emphasis was placed on identifying potentially high-risk areas with frequent surface contact and high population density.

Methods: Sampling was conducted at pre-selected locations across the university using sterile swab sponges. Samples were enriched in buffered peptone water (24 h, 37 °C) and subsequently cultured on selective media. The presence of SA/MRSA was confirmed using PCR. For MRSA isolates, virulence genes were detected, spa types were determined, and antimicrobial resistance was tested.

Results: A total of 312 surface samples were collected from university corridors, the library, and two dining facilities. S. aureus was detected in 210 samples (67.3%). Additionally, 8 MRSA isolates were obtained (2.6%). Identified MRSA spa types included t304 (common in the Middle East), t011 belonging to the clonal lineage ST398, as well as t126 and t189. Three MRSA isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant.

Conclusion: The findings highlight significant contamination of the university environment with SA and MRSA, particularly on frequently touched surfaces. The results underscore the importance of regular and targeted disinfection, appropriate selection of cleaning agents, and consistent promotion of hand hygiene among students and staff. Monitoring these pathogens may be a key tool in preventing community spread, especially considering the potential for transmission into healthcare settings.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), university environment, surface contamination, public health, environmental monitoring

Received: April 2025; Accepted: June 13, 2025; Published: June 30, 2025  Show citation

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Brodíková K, Adámková I, Karpíšková R. Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on frequently touched surfaces in a university environment. Hygiena. 2025;70(2):48-53. doi: 10.21101/hygiena.a1882.
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