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An outbreak of community-acquired foodborne illness caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Timothy F Jones1, Molly E Kellum, Susan S Porter
1Communicable and Environmental Disease Services, Tennessee Department of Health, 4th Floor, Cordell Hull Building, 425 5th Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37247, USA. tjones4@mail.state.tn.us
Abstract:
Infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are increasingly community acquired. We investigated an outbreak in which a food handler, food specimen, and three ill patrons were culture positive for the same toxin-producing strain of MRSA. This is the first report of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by community-acquired MRSA.
Insights
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. This is the first report linking a food handler to community-acquired MRSA foodborne transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Food Safety
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are increasingly acquired in the community.
- Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins leading to gastrointestinal illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness linked to a specific strain of MRSA.
- To identify the source and transmission route of the community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) strain.
Main Methods:
- Culture and molecular methods were used to identify the MRSA strain.
- Epidemiological investigation was conducted to trace the source of infection.
Main Results:
- A single toxin-producing strain of MRSA was identified in a food handler, food specimen, and three ill patrons.
- The outbreak was linked to a food handler, indicating potential foodborne transmission.
Conclusions:
- This is the first reported outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by community-acquired MRSA.
- Foodborne transmission of CA-MRSA is a potential public health concern.