FIG 1.
Rapid death of an epidemic strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (EMRSA) (A) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (B) fingertip contamination on copper. Approximately 107 CFU in 1 μl was applied to 1-cm2 test surfaces and was immediately spread over the surface. Bacteria were removed after various contact times at 21°C as described in the text, and they were assessed for viability by growth on agar. Results are expressed as CFU per coupon (± SEM) and are the results of multiple experiments.