How long does MRSA live on surfaces?
It depends on what variables you are considering: host surfaces (skin, nose, wound) or non-host surfaces (bandages, clothing, bed linens, other common contact objects such as door knobs, light switches, commodes, tub, phones, etc.) In a host surface a person can be a carrier of MRSA (colonized) and not even be aware, therefore spreading contimination quite unwittingly. Unfortunately, a carrier can host MRSA indefinately. MRSA can live on non-host surfaces for days, weeks, months depending on the environmental circumstances. These circumstances can include what other interactions the MRSA may be in contact with such as other bacteria in which that it may compete against / with thus killing MRSA or cultivating / transfering the bacteria. Most studies suggest / show that MRSA can live up to 90 days / 3 months. Thusly, this becomes a never-ending battle. What HAS been subjected may be unnoticed until days or weeks later thus cycling back the bacteria into a sterile field. Suggestions: rese
