We investigated the distribution of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus 
aureus) on and around six patients with MRSA infection in our neurosurgical 
ward. All patients had a disturbance of consciousness and had sputum 
colonization of MRSA. Samples were obtained from 11 sites (patients' hands, 
attendances' hands, floors, sidetables, bedclothes, chairs, walls, curtains, 
door knobs, faucets and disposable gloves) in the patients' rooms by the wiping 
method. High counts of MRSA were detected on horizontal planes such as floors, 
sidetables and chairs, but MRSA was not detected on vertical planes such as 
curtains and walls. The reason why MRSA was detected on the horizontal planes 
was due to a fall of MRSA spread from sputum in the air. These findings indicate 
that the disinfection of horizontal planes is important for preventing the 
spread of MRSA. We also evaluated what disinfectant was useful for floor 
disinfection and concluded that 0.5% chlorhexidine digluconate (Hibitane) and 
0.5% benzalkonium chloride (Osvan) were more effective than the other 
usually-used disinfectants such as alkyldiaminoethyl glycine (Tego-51).