Low levels of resistant bacteria found in Chicago-area ambulances

A new study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, found that approximately 6% of sites sampled in Chicago-area ambulances tested positive for Staphyloccocus aureus (S. aureus), a bacterium that can cause serious infections and can easily acquire resistance to potent antibiotics.

 

Researchers from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., took samples from 26 areas inside of 71 ambulances from 34 different Chicago-area municipalities. At least one S. aureus sample was found in 69% of ambulances tested. Of particular interest, only 5 of 71 ambulances tested positive for the “superbug,” known as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

 

In a press release, James Rago, PhD, lead study author and assistant professor of biology at Lewis University, notes that the results indicate that first responders are doing a good job of protecting patients.1

 

“Given the ease with which S. aureus can survive on inanimate surfaces and exchange antibiotic resistance elements, a conscientious approach to the application of existing cleaning techniques, especially in key ambulance sites, needs to continue,” the researchers state.

References

  1. Rago JV, Buhs K, Makarovaite V, et al. Detection and analysis of Staphylococcus aureus isolates found in ambulances in the Chicago metropolitan area. Am J Infect Control. 2012;40(3):201—205. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2011.08.021

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