FIRST PLACE - SESSION B (Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences, Microbiology, Physics and Astronomy)

Occurrence of Methacillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Classroom Air

Andrew Moren, Southern Adventist University

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a primary pathogen and significant source of nosocomial and community acquired infections. In recent years, community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections have been increasing. The occurrence of airborne S. aureus was unknown, and air was sampled in classrooms during class time for the presence of airborne S. aureus . A PBI Air Sampler was used to collect airborne bacteria on mannitol salt agar plates, and mannitol fermentation positive colonies were tested for methacillin resistance. The results show the presence of MRSA in classroom air.