Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in drinking water fountains in urban parks

• DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.042
• Publication Date: 2020-07-24T02:06:19Z
• Authors: Geyse A. C. Santos; Milena Dropa; Solange M. Rocha; Francisca A. S. P...; Maria Tereza Pepe...
• Keywords: SCCmec; Human pathogen

Abstract The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in drinking water is a concern because its potential to cause human infection and also multiple antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the quality fountains mist makers four municipal parks São Paulo for 13 months. Although all samples met bacteriological criteria according Brazilian regulations, absence residual chlorine (<0.1 mg/L) was observed. These data were significantly correlated with frequency S. that found 25.2% samples. mecA gene detected 36.7% isolates demonstrating resistance several antimicrobials. Furthermore, 27.3% carrying had methicillin-resistant (MRSA) phenotypic potential. characteristics microbial consumption an unprecedented finding. Hence, conducting surveillance opportunistic bacteria, such as staphylococci water, reasonable take control measures protect health, especially public places high attendance.