By using electrostatic wipes, researchers were able to collect 237 surface samples from 40 randomly selected buses immediately postservice and before they were cleaned and disinfected.
Samples were collected between July and October of 2010 and analyzed for antibiotic resistance and numerous other factors, according to the study.
The study found MRSA was frequently isolated from high-touch surface areas on the buses that serve hospital and community routes and that they may effectively mix community and healthcare–associated MRSA strains.
Highlighted below are five findings from the study.
1. Roughly 68 percent of the buses were contaminated with S aureus.
2. Sixty-three percent of the buses were contaminated with MRSA.
3. Seats and seat rails were most frequently contaminated, followed by the bus’ back door and stanchions.
4. Most (62.9 percent) of the MRSA isolates were community-associated MRSA clones and 22.9 percent were healthcare-associated MRSA clones.
5. Approximately 65 percent of the MRSA strains detected were multidrug resistant.
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