Detection of antibiotic resistance genes associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococci in hospital air filter dust by PCR

Published: June 5th, 2012

Revised: July 21st, 2014

Drudge C, Krajden S, Summerbell RC, Scott JA. 2012. Detection of antibiotic resistance genes associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative Staphylococci in hospital air filter dust by PCR. Aerobiolgia 28(2): 285-289. doi: 10.1007/s10453-011-9219-x.

Abstract

Dust from the pre-filters of stand-alone hospital isolation room air cleaners was tested by PCR for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Resistance genes for three classes of antibiotics (aac(6′)-aph(2″), ermA, and mecA) were detected in multiple samples, indicating the presence of genetic material and likely cells of multidrug-resistant MRSA and other staphylococci in hospital air and that stand-alone air cleaners can reduce airborne levels of these contaminants. Screening for vanA was negative. Our results further suggest that dust may serve as an important reservoir of genetic elements that can confer drug resistance.

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