Airborne Staphylococcus aureus and its Impact on Human Health

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a frequently detected pathogen in the air collected from both clinical and general environments. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which is considered to be a superbug, accounts for more than half of total airborne staphylococci. Therefore, the air carrying MRSA could be a potential source of infection to vulnerable humans, including those with weaker immunity. This chapter will provide an exhaustive overview of the prevalence of airborne S. aureus in the Indian context, and the role of air in the spread of S. aureus infections. We will describe different traditional microbiological techniques as well as recently emerging culture-independent methodologies for collection and characterization of airborne S. aureus. The length of S. aureus survivability in air, its inoculum required for initiating an infection, and the environmental factors affecting its viability will be discussed. Finally, the recommendations of guidelines/regulatory bodies for handling and preventing the airborne transmission of S. aureus will be proposed.