Objective:To evaluate the presence of microorganisms of the genus
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus on toys in
the playroom of a teaching hospital, as well to as analyze the antimicrobial
resistance from isolated strains. Methods:Samples were collected from 60 toys, using wet swabs, soon after being used by the
children. The samples were inoculated in enriched and selective agar for isolation
and later identification of the microorganisms. Antibiogram testing was performed
by agar diffusion technique. Results:The genus Staphylococcus was present in 87.0% (52/60) of the
toys. Seventy-three strains were isolated, with 29.0% (21/73) coagulase-positive
and 71.0% (52/73) coagulasenegative. Among the coagulase-negative strains, 90.4%
were resistant to penicillin, 65.4% to oxacillin, 28.8% to clarithromycin, 61.5%
to clindamycin, and none to vancomycin. Among the coagulase-positive strains,
76.2% were resistant to penicillin, 23.8% to oxacillin, 23.8% to clarithromycin,
47.6% to clindamycin, and none to vancomycin. The genus
Streptococcus was not detected in any of the evaluated toys.
Conclusions:Toys can be contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria with antimicrobial
resistance, representing a possible source of nosocomial infection for patients
who are already debilitated.
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