Chinks in the armor: the role of the nonclinical environment in the transmission of Staphylococcus bacteria

The staphylococci include bacteria species and strains that are capable of causing significant infections in humans. During the past decades, staphylococci, such as methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), have emerged outside the nosocomial settings, spreading in the community and raising public health concerns. However, the full contribution of potential community reservoirs to the changing epidemiology of these pathogens remains largely uncharacterized. Here, it is suggested that the role of animals (pets and livestock) and inanimate surfaces in the dissemination of staphylococci in the community is worthy of investigation and might potentially enhance efforts for controlling Staphylococcus-associated infections in susceptible individuals.