Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolated from surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit of a hospital in southeastern Brazil.

Introduction: Contaminated hospital environments contribute to the transmission of microorganisms associated with healthcare. Contaminated surfaces handled by patients or healthcare professionals are a source of microorganism transmission by hand. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteria are among the main agents responsible for increasing healthcare-associated infections in Brazil and worldwide.