Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 3200 College Ave, Davie, FL 33314, USA.
Int J Environ Health Res. 2013;23(1):46-57. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2012.699027. Epub 2012 Aug 28.
While the value of Staphylococcus aureus as an indicator for non-enteric diseases is unclear, understanding its prevalence in recreational beaches would prove useful, given its pathogenic potential. Staphylococcus aureus levels were evaluated in sand and seawater at three beaches during one year. To elucidate possible S. aureus sources or colonization trends, distribution in sand was analyzed at Hollywood Beach. Staphylococcus aureus levels fluctuated throughout the study with highest average densities detected in dry sand (3.46 × 10⁵ CFU/g, Hobie Beach), particularly at beaches with high human density. Patchy distribution marked hotspots of human use and/or possible bacterial re-growth. Data from a brief epidemiological survey indicated a very slight association between beach usage and skin conditions; suggesting high S. aureus levels in sand may not necessarily constitute major health risks. Because the possibility of disease transmission exists, particularly to children and immuno-compromised beach-goers, periodic surveying of highly frequented beaches seems warranted.
金黄色葡萄球菌作为非肠道疾病的指标的价值尚不清楚，但鉴于其潜在的致病性，了解其在娱乐海滩中的流行程度将是有用的。在一年中，对三个海滩的沙和海水中的金黄色葡萄球菌水平进行了评估。为了阐明可能的金黄色葡萄球菌来源或定植趋势，在好莱坞海滩分析了沙中的分布情况。金黄色葡萄球菌水平在整个研究过程中波动不定，在干燥的沙中（3.46×10⁵ CFU/g，Hobie 海滩）检测到的最高平均密度，特别是在人类密度高的海滩。斑块状分布标记了人类使用和/或可能细菌再生的热点。一项简短的流行病学调查的数据表明，海滩使用与皮肤状况之间存在非常轻微的关联；这表明沙中金黄色葡萄球菌水平高不一定构成重大健康风险。因为存在疾病传播的可能性，特别是对儿童和免疫功能低下的海滩游客，因此似乎有必要定期对高度受欢迎的海滩进行调查。
