We set out to investigate whether neckties worn by doctors are more likely to be contaminated with Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compared to neckties worn by preclinical medical undergraduates who have never been exposed to a hospital environment. We discovered that more than half (52%) of neckties worn by doctors were contaminated with Staphylococcus and out of these, 62% of them were identified as MRSA. In contrast, none of the student's ties were contaminated with MRSA. Due to the high prevalence of staphylococcus detected on doctors' neckties, we recommend that health care workers do not wear neckties.
Koh and others have reported (in this issue of the MJM) the high prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on doctors’ neckties. As they have pointed out, this is nothing new, and like other studies with similar findings. They also point out that patient’s confidence and satisfaction are not affected by doctor’s not wearing neckties. They also referred to the British Department of Health decision to ban the use of neckties, long sleeve shirts and jewellery, and the Scottish government’s intention to ban the wearing of white coats, including neckties, to stop the spread of infections. They support the call by The Malaysian Medical Association to avoid the use of neckties.