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Environmental Testing for Staphylococcus aureus Can Help Prevent Outbreaks


Boston, MA – WEBWIRE

Last month, a student at Mohawk Trail Regional School in Massachusetts was reported to have been infected with MRSA, also known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  Additional media reports from September also stated a student at Ligonier Valley Middle School in Pennsylvania was diagnosed with MRSA as was someone from an elementary school in Saginaw, Michigan.

MRSA is a type of bacterium that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. It is one of several types of Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as staph, that are resistant to various medications.  Others include Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA).

Staphylococcus aureus has long been recognized as a cause of disease in humans.  It is commonly found on the skin and hair as well as in the nose and throat of people and animals. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30% of people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their noses.

“Although most of the time it does not cause harm, Staphylococcus aureus can sometimes cause serious infections,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “These can range from minor skin infections to more serious infections that can even be life threatening in some circumstances.  This can be especially true in healthcare environments where patients may have a weakened immune system or have recently undergone medical procedures that make them more susceptible to infections.  Staphylococcus aureus can also be the cause of food poisoning.  At EMSL, we provide environmental testing services to identify Staphylococcus aureus on surfaces and in foods to help prevent outbreaks and to pinpoint its source if an outbreak is already underway.  Testing can also determine the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfecting procedures in high risk locations such as food processing facilities, hospitals and schools.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about Staphylococcus aureus that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/AC-dAY-DXpQ.

To learn more about environmental testing for microbial pathogens or other health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 


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 Staphylococcus aureus
 MRSA testing
 environmental testing
 food testing services
 MRSA causes


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