How Long Can MRSA Survive on a Surface?

Paul Willocks
Global Marketing Director
2nd September 2024
How Long Can MRSA Survive on a Surface?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous bacterium known for its resistance to many antibiotics. It is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections. One of the critical concerns regarding MRSA is its ability to survive on inanimate surfaces, contributing to its transmission. Understanding how long MRSA can persist on different surfaces is vital for implementing effective cleaning protocols. Lets explore the survival times of MRSA on various materials, the factors influencing its persistence, and best practices for reducing the risk of contamination.

The duration that MRSA can survive on surfaces depends on multiple factors, including the type of material, environmental conditions, and the presence of organic matter such as dust or bodily fluids. Several studies have investigated MRSA's persistence on surfaces, yielding the following insights:

Hard Surfaces (Plastic, Stainless Steel, Glass)

Research indicates that MRSA can persist on hard, non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic for days to several months. These surfaces provide a stable environment for bacteria, allowing them to remain viable for extended periods. A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases found that MRSA could survive on plastic for up to seven months under optimal conditions (Kramer et al., 2006). Hospital equipment, door handles, and countertops are common places where MRSA contamination can occur, emphasising the need for routine disinfection.

Soft Surfaces (Fabrics, Clothing, Bedding)

MRSA can remain viable on fabrics such as cotton, wool, and polyester for extended periods, particularly when moisture is present. Clothing worn by healthcare workers, as well as hospital linens, can act as reservoirs for MRSA transmission. One study demonstrated that MRSA could persist on hospital bed linens for up to nine weeks (Neely & Maley, 2000). The bacterium's ability to survive on textiles highlights the importance of regular laundering with hot water and high-temperature drying cycles.

Environmental Factors Affecting MRSA Survival

Several environmental factors influence the survival time of MRSA on surfaces. Humidity and temperature play significant roles, with higher humidity and lower temperatures generally extending MRSA’s viability. Dry environments, on the other hand, tend to reduce bacterial survival times. The texture of a surface also matters, as rough or porous surfaces tend to harbor MRSA longer than smooth ones due to bacterial adhesion and protection from environmental stresses. Organic material, such as dust or biofilm, can provide an additional layer of protection, enabling MRSA to persist even longer.

Implications for Infection Control

Given MRSA’s ability to survive for prolonged periods on various surfaces, strict infection control measures are necessary to minimise the risk of transmission. Key strategies include maintaining high standards of hygiene and employing effective cleaning protocols.

Regular Cleaning and Disinfection

High-touch surfaces in hospitals, homes, and public spaces should be disinfected frequently using EPA-approved disinfectants effective against MRSA. Disinfectants containing hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), or quaternary ammonium compounds have been shown to be particularly effective in eliminating MRSA from surfaces.

Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods to prevent MRSA transmission. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. Healthcare workers should adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols to minimise the spread of MRSA within medical facilities.

Proper Laundry Practices

Clothes and bedding that may have been exposed to MRSA should be washed with hot water (at least 140°F) and dried at high temperatures. Using bleach when washing hospital linens or personal clothing that may be contaminated further enhances the elimination of MRSA.

Antimicrobial Additive Technology

Many industries are now adopting antimicrobial additive technology to reduce bacterial persistence on surfaces. These additives can be incorporated into plastics, textiles, coatings, and other materials to provide long-lasting product protection against bacteria. Unlike standard disinfectants that require frequent application, antimicrobial additives work continuously to inhibit bacterial growth.

At Addmaster, we specialise in antimicrobial additive technologies that are integrated into products during the point of manufacture. These technologies provide built-in product protection, making surfaces more resistant to microbial colonisation. Studies have shown that surfaces treated with antimicrobial additives significantly reduce bacterial survival times compared to untreated surfaces. This approach is particularly beneficial in environments such as hospitals, schools, and public transportation, where controlling microbial spread is crucial.

By incorporating antimicrobial additives into everyday materials, businesses and healthcare facilities can inhibit the spread of bacteria. These solutions complement traditional hygiene measures, offering an additional layer of product protection against bacterial contamination.

Conclusion

MRSA’s ability to survive on various surfaces for weeks to months poses a significant challenge in healthcare and community settings. Its persistence underscores the importance of stringent cleaning protocols, proper hand hygiene, and the use of appropriate disinfectants. By implementing rigorous measures, including the adoption of antimicrobial additive technology, the spread of MRSA can be significantly reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRSA on Surfaces

1. How long can MRSA survive on surfaces?
MRSA can survive on dry surfaces for days to several months, depending on factors such as humidity, temperature, and the type of material. Hard surfaces like plastic and stainless steel tend to harbor MRSA longer than porous materials like fabric or cardboard.

2. What surfaces are most likely to carry MRSA?
MRSA is commonly found on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, gym equipment, hospital bed rails, keyboards, and mobile phones. Shared items like towels, razors, and sports equipment can also be sources of contamination.

3. Can MRSA be killed by regular cleaning products?
Yes, MRSA can be effectively killed by disinfectants containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol-based solutions. Regular cleaning with EPA-approved disinfectants is essential for reducing the spread of MRSA in homes and public spaces.

4. How do you prevent MRSA from spreading on surfaces?
To prevent MRSA transmission via surfaces, follow these practices:

  • Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or athletic gear.
  • Cover any cuts or wounds with clean, dry bandages.

5. Can MRSA be spread by touching contaminated surfaces?
Yes, MRSA can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, wound, or another person without washing their hands. This is why proper hygiene and surface disinfection are critical in preventing its transmission.

6. Is MRSA more common in hospitals than in homes?
MRSA is often associated with healthcare settings, where it can cause hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). However, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) can also be found in gyms, schools, and other public spaces, making proper hygiene practices essential everywhere.

7. How can antimicrobial-treated surfaces help reduce MRSA risk?
Surfaces treated with antimicrobial technology can help inhibit the growth of bacteria, including MRSA. While these surfaces do not replace routine cleaning, they provide an additional layer of protection in environments where hygiene is a priority.

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