Bedbugs Carrying Superbug Found

May 16, 2011 - PRLog -- MEDIA CONTACT: ROBERT KRAVITZ
773-525-3021
RKRAVITZ@RCN.COM



Bedbugs Carrying Superbug Found

West Chicago, IL – May 16, 2011 - Canadian scientists have just reported that bedbugs carrying Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterial infection often referred to as a “superbug” that is highly resistant to many antibiotics, and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), a less dangerous form of antibiotic-resistant bacteria superbug, were found in a Vancouver, Canada, hospital.*

At this time, there is no clear evidence that the bedbugs have spread the MRSA or VRE germs they were carrying, but according to Dr. Marc Romney, a medical biologist with St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, “this is an intriguing finding” that needs to be further researched.

Five bedbugs were analyzed. MRSA was found in three of the bugs and VRE in two.

Romney also noted that the hospital is in an area of Vancouver that has recently seen a “boom in bedbugs” and a significant increase in MRSA cases.

Bedbugs are about 7 mm long, wingless and reddish brown in color and feed on the blood of their victims. Because they are so small, they are often hard to detect, and the situation is made worse because they commonly live in the cracks and crevices of mattresses.

In the past couple of years, finding ways to eradicate bedbugs has garnered considerable attention in the professional cleaning industry.

For instance, Michael Schaffer, president of Tornado Industries and a senior executive with Tacony’s Commercial Floor Care division, has authored several industry articles on the subject.

He has also published a white paper, Effective Treatment of Bedbug Infestations, which suggests ways the jansan industry can help eradicate bedbugs and do so in a more environmentally responsible manner.

“The study does not indicate exactly how the bedbugs picked up the bacteria, but this is definitely a concern,” says Schaffer. “In the past, bedbug bites were mostly bothersome. While more research is required, [this study] makes the bites far more serious.”

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* Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emerging Infectious Diseases, May 11, 2011




Available For Interviews And Industry Commentary:
Tornado Industries President Michael Schaffer is available for interviews and industry commentary by calling (630) 818-1300

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About Tornado a Tacony Company
Tornado Industries has been engineering quality cleaning equipment for more than 80 years. The company has a long history of developing innovative products and applying the latest technology to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety. Tornado prides itself on always being on the cutting edge of cleaning solutions. For more information:

Tornado® Industries, Inc.
333 Charles Court #109
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 800-Vacuums (800-822-8867); Fax: 630.818.1301
Chicago Phone: (630) 818-1300
e-mail: info@tornadovac.com