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

摘要

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 standalone 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.