Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of community-acquired and healthcare associated infections. The introduction of new classes of antibiotics usually has been followed by the emergence of resistance in S. aureus. After the initial success of penicillin in treating S. aureus infections, penicillin-resistant S. aureus became a major threat in hospitals and nurseries in the 1950s, requiring the use of methicillin and related drugs for treatment of S. aureus infections. In the 1980s, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) emerged and became widespread in many hospitals, leading to the increasing use of vancomycin. The first clinical isolated case of S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin was reported from Japan.
A survey performed by the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory of Clearwater, FL reported that Staphylococcus aureus is also a part of an indoor environment’s bacterial flora. These bacteria are isolated both from air and surfaces during routine investigations of indoor environmental quality. They may be categorized as environmental or clinical based on their source. In either case, the existing environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, natural mutagens etc. play an important role in the survival and virulence of these microorganisms. For example, the remediation of existing microorganisms in an indoor environment often leaves behind a small portion of biological debris. Depending upon the viability and stress of the microorganisms, some of them may regenerate and multiply to become part of the existing micro flora of that environment. Therefore, continuous surveillance is essential to monitor these infectious particles from the health and hygiene point of view in and around closed structures (home, offices, etc.).
Antibiotics do not technically cause a resistance, but can allow it to happen by creating a situation where an already existing variant can flourish. More and more organisms develop resistance to more and more drugs. A patient can develop a drug-resistant infection either by contracting a resistant bug to begin with, or by having a resistant microbe emerge in the body once antibiotic treatment begins. Drug-resistant infections increase risk of death, and are often associated with prolonged hospital stays and complications. In order to study the bacterial resistance power against antibiotics it is necessary to have the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the microorganism and the environmental conditions apart from other physical and biological factors.
The MRSA infection is initiated on a host depending upon their exposure to the particular strain of the Staphylococcus aureus which is typically antibiotic resistant. The resistance of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, to antibiotics has become a concern around the world, in recent years. The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance may be the outcome of evolution as well as man made activities. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and other drugs is inevitable and MRSA is just one example of why it is important to understand the nature and existence of these disease-causing organisms. The management of controlling, spreading and prevention of MRSA related infections can be facilitated by knowing the existence of these entities in our surroundings.
A regular qualitative and quantitative microbiological evaluation of a building is recommended in order to know the existence of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms (like MRSA) in various places including healthcare settings, work places, offices, residences, and other habitations.
The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) at Pure Air Control Services performs a wide array of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) including organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Legionella pneumophila EDLab scientists identify microorganisms by using various lab techniques. Some common analysis performed by EDLab to identify microbial conditions include Bio-Scan and Spore Trap analysis, mycological culturable analysis of air/bulk/surface/swab/liquid environmental samples among many others. The type of sampling and analysis performed is determined by project specifications project requirements or individual needs.
For additional information you can contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay, Director, EDLab, Pure Air Control Services, www.pureaircontrols.com 1-800-422-7873 ext 303.
About Pure Air Control Services, Inc.
Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc. in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm. Today, the firm sets the industry standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis and remediation.
Pure Air Control Services nationally performed IAQ services include: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory; Environmental Project Management; and Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.
The company’s expanding client roster includes the FAA, Walt Disney World, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; CBRE, Carrier Air Conditioning; NAVFAC, DOT, USACE, US Army, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader.
For more information on Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Alan Wozniak or Cy Garner at (800) 422-7873 ext 802 or 804 respectively, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.
This annual event provides an opportunity for licensed contractors throughout the State of Florida to obtain all 14 state-required hours of continuing education over the course of the two-day event.
Released On: 3/8/2014
Views: 4251
Although this type of bacteria was around before1976, more illness from Legionnaires' disease is being detected now. Due to consumer awareness, added research and technological advances in healthcare Legionnaires disease identification is becomi ...
Released On: 3/4/2014
Views: 4088
Performance of a building depends on its structured integrity, preventive maintenance, as well as periodical monitoring of the environmental conditions essential for its functionality.
Released On: 2/19/2014
Views: 4113
According to Building Operating Management magazine, expert Victor Yu, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Chief, Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, disclosed that “Up to 70% of all buildings greater t ...
Released On: 2/18/2014
Views: 3669
Released On: 1/22/2014
Views: 3559
High efficiency coils are extremely susceptible to blockage from dust accumulation because once lodged deeply within the fins bacteria and mold may initiate growth, which not only compounds the blockage problems but also gives rise to excessive o ...
Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 6347
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.
Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 4012
World Health Organization (WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, 2009) concluded that the most important effect is increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma, as well as perturbation of the immunological systems
Released On: 12/31/2013
Views: 4042
The website is a true indoor environmental resource for the private and public sector including consumers, educational facilities e.g. schools, universities, along with city, county state and federal governments, healthcare and the public sector.
Released On: 12/20/2013
Views: 3067
“We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to display that we are a Doctor Trusted recipient. We will continue as always to help provide our customers with a great products and services,” stated Dr. Rajiv Sahay, environmental analytica ...
Released On: 12/11/2013
Views: 3997
IndoorAirtest.com is very proud to have a Doctor Trusted seal of approval displayed on our website, giving our customers more confidence when shopping with us.
Released On: 12/4/2013
Views: 4421
Released On: 10/2/2013
Views: 3355
The assessment of allergens in a house dust sample is an essential step for allergen-avoidance and provides information essential for allergen-reducing measures, in addition to managing the indoor environment from a health and hygiene point of view
Released On: 9/18/2013
Views: 5442
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions.
Released On: 7/31/2013
Views: 4479
Released On: 7/17/2013
Views: 4721
Released On: 7/11/2013
Views: 4789
Some common and frequently reported microbes of the indoor environment include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, mold (fungi), yeast, protozoa, etc.
Released On: 6/26/2013
Views: 5969
In indoor environments, this fungus can be transported from outside or may propagate on building materials such as cellulose rich sheet rocks, etc. and can generally be isolated from floors, carpets, mattress dust, Heating Ventilation Air Conditi ...
Released On: 6/19/2013
Views: 10517