Investigations of Staphylococcal contamination on environmental surfaces of a neonatal intensive care unit of a children's hospital

•Viable Staphylococci were found on 54% of NICU surfaces sampled.•Mannitol-negative Staphylococci were dominant type of Staphylococci found.•MRSA was the lowest percentage of Staphylococci, found on 11% of sites.•Greatest NICU presence of Staphylococci found on floors and return air ducts.•Contamination of floors and return air ducts could serve as a pathogen reservoir. Staphylococci species are known to cause healthcare-associated infections in neonatal intensive care (NICU) unit patients. Little is known about Staphylococcal contamination of NICU environments. Swabs from 25 of 46 (54%) surfaces sampled in a NICU had viable Staphylococcal contamination, with 11% contaminated by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]. Floors by sinks and return air ducts in the NICU were the most contaminated (67% positive), possibly serving as reservoirs for Staphylococci.