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Marcus Keller Thesis Final.pdf (1.65 MB)

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The Fate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Synthetic Field Turf System

Keller, Marcus
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1384454039

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science, University of Toledo, Biology (Ecology).
The frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections among NFL players is 63-fold higher than in the general population, necessitating the study of football-specific environments as MRSA reservoirs. Little effort has focused on artificial turf fields, a surface frequently contacted by potential hosts. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to determine (i) the availability of MRSA in turf infill (rubber, sand, organic or polymer materials that provide cushioning to the turf surface), and turf fibers (monofilament, slit-film or nylon turf blades), and (ii) the toxicity of the infill materials to MRSA. Each of 28 infill types and 32 turf fiber types were inoculated with MRSA, sacrificed over time and enumerated for MRSA by dilution plating to determine the proportion of MRSA recoverable and viable, as well as the MRSA A50 (incubation time at which 50% of inoculated MRSA are available). On average, MRSA was available for a longer period on infill (A50 of 13 h) than on turf fibers (4 h) (p<0.05). The A50 for each infill type was variable, averaging 2 h (EPDM rubber), 7 h (organic), 9 h (polymer-coated materials), 12 h (crumb rubber), 13 h (TPE rubber), and 27 h (sands). The A50 of MRSA was significantly different between turf fiber types (between 1 and 7 h) (p<0.05), but was similar among the three turf fiber groups. The role of infill toxicity to the MRSA A50 was assessed using a dialysis assay, which showed that 94% of MRSA cells remained viable following 6 h of exposure to organic infill, 91% for sands, 79% for polymer coated materials, 71% for crumb rubber, 68% for TPE rubber, and 17% for EPDM rubber. Our results indicate that MRSA availability on turf fibers is limited, while infill toxicity significantly impacts the duration during which MRSA is available for transfer from the turf environment.
Von Sigler (Advisor)
Daryl Dwyer (Committee Member)
Ronald Turco (Committee Member)
41 p.
Microbiology
MRSA; turf; synthetic turf; artificial turf; infill

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Keller, M. (2013). The Fate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Synthetic Field Turf System [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1384454039

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Keller, Marcus. The Fate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Synthetic Field Turf System. 2013. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1384454039.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Keller, Marcus. "The Fate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Synthetic Field Turf System." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1384454039

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1384454039
746
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.