Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control showed antibiotic resistance strains of Staphylococcus aureus may be found in ambulances.
For this study, researchers collected samples from 71 ambulances in the Chicagoland area. An analysis of the samples revealed at least one S. aureus isolate was found in nearly 70 percent of studied ambulances. In addition, of all isolates, 77 percent were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 34 percent were resistance to two or more antibiotics. Approximately 12 percent of all isolates were finally determined to be MRSA, while the remaining 88 percent were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus.
Researchers concluded appropriate cleaning techniques should be considered for key sites in ambulances to prevent the spread of S. aureus.
For this study, researchers collected samples from 71 ambulances in the Chicagoland area. An analysis of the samples revealed at least one S. aureus isolate was found in nearly 70 percent of studied ambulances. In addition, of all isolates, 77 percent were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 34 percent were resistance to two or more antibiotics. Approximately 12 percent of all isolates were finally determined to be MRSA, while the remaining 88 percent were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus.
Researchers concluded appropriate cleaning techniques should be considered for key sites in ambulances to prevent the spread of S. aureus.
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