Abstract:
This is laboratory-based study, carried out during the period from April to June, 2015 to
detect Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on physicians’ white coats.
The bacterial isolates (n=14) were obtained from the Research Laboratory, Sudan
University of Science and Technology. Purity of the isolates was checked by streaking on
nutrient agar and examined microscopically. Gram stain and biochemical tests were used
to confirm the identity of the isolates. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) was detected by Kirby-Baur disk diffusion technique.
The results showed that re-identified isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis 5
(35.7%), Staphylococcus aureus 4(28.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (21.4%),
Staphylococcus intermedius 2 (14.3%). Study on detection of MRSA revealed that only
two (50%) out of 4 Staphylococcus aureus were MRSA.
It is concluded that physicians’ white coats may be contaminated with Methicillinresistant
Staphylococcus aureus. Proper handling of white coats by physicians is highly
recommended.
