Old Westbury, N.Y.  (February 21, 2012) –  As cases of a particularly dangerous strain of bacterial infection are on the rise nationwide, faculty and students from NYIT’s School of Health Professions found good news as they canvassed seven Long Island doctors’ offices for evidence of the germ:  the bacteria were not present on many objects patients and staff typically touch in waiting and exam rooms.

 

Lawrence Herman, associate professor in the department of physician assistant studies, presented the study’s results at NYIT’s cross-disciplinary health research series in Riland Auditorium.  Another faculty member, associate professor of physical therapy, John Handrakis, presented his separate research on the effects of cool temperatures on people with spinal cord injuries.

 

Herman’s research on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, focused on the strain that is “community acquired” rather than a different strain that has been found in hospitals and is generally resistant to antibiotics.  Herman said that there has been “significant concern” that MRSA bacterial colonies in family practice offices may pose a danger of infection for patients.  He and four students visited seven primary care and family practice offices on Long Island and took samples from objects patients and staff typically touch, such as sign-in pens, exam tables, and magazines in waiting rooms.  Thousands of patients visit the offices, including those who come straight from hospital stays.

 

The results of the study showed the bacteria were not present.

 

“It was a pleasant and surprising finding – we certainly anticipated grim results,” Herman said.

 

Simple precautions, such as cleaning surfaces with antibacterial soap or alcohol and washing hands, prevent the spread of the MRSA, he said.  “We need to remain constantly vigilant and patients and health care providers must continue to take appropriate precautions to insure that this does not become the same kind of issue that it is in hospitals,” said Herman.