Transfer of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by fist bump versus handshake

Abstract

For patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, a traditional fist-bump greeting did not significantly reduce MRSA transfer in comparison to a handshake. However, transfer was reduced with a modified fist bump that minimized the surface area of contact and when hand hygiene was performed before the handshake.

Transfer of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by fist bump versus elbow bump

“…1,2 However, both handshake and fist bump greetings have been associated with frequent transfer of MRSA and a benign virus. 4,5 In the current study, fist bump and elbow bump greetings from MRSA-colonized patients were associated with frequent transfer of MRSA (25% vs 15%, respectively), although significantly fewer colonies were transferred via elbow bump. Our results suggest that noncontact greetings should be encouraged to reduce the risk for pathogen transfer.…”

“…Plates were processed for recovery of MRSA as previously described. 4 The number of MRSA colony-forming units (CFUs) recovered was counted.…”

“…1,2 However, we found that the burden of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was similar on the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the hands of MRSA-colonized patients and that fist bump and handshake greetings resulted in similar frequencies of MRSA transfer (16% vs 22% transfer, respectively). 4 Moreover, in simulations involving use of a contaminated keyboard, a benign virus was transferred via fist bump, nearly as often as via handshake. 5 Given the potential for pathogen transfer via hands, the elbow bump has recently become a commonly used alternative greeting.…”

Touch for Social Engagement and Therapy: A Narrative Review

“…Researchers have assessed the transfer of bacteria from the handshake as compared to other greeting behaviors. In a few studies that compared the handshake with a fist bump, the fist bump was noted to transfer lower levels of pathogens (Ghareeb et al, 2013;Pinto-Herrera et al, 2020). In a third study, both high-fives and the fist bump transferred less bacteria than the handshake (Mela et al, 2014).…”