Public computer surfaces are reservoirs for methicillin-resistant staphylococci

The role of computer keyboards used by students of a metropolitan university as reservoirs of antibiotic- resistant staphylococci was determined. Putative methicillin ( oxacillin)- resistant staphylococci isolates were identified from keyboard swabs following a combination of biochemical and genetic analyses. Of 24 keyboards surveyed, 17 were contaminated with staphylococci that grew in the presence of oxacillin ( 2mg l(-1)). Methicillin ( oxacillin)- resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA), - S. epidermidis ( MRSE) and - S. hominis ( MRSH) were present on two, five and two keyboards, respectively, while all three staphylococci co- contaminated one keyboard. Furthermore, these were found to be part of a greater community of oxacillin- resistant bacteria. Combined with the broad user base common to public computers, the presence of antibiotic- resistant staphylococci on keyboard surfaces might impact the transmission and prevalence of pathogens throughout the community.