Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary doctors and students, the Netherlands
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Published on: May 8, 2013
Mireille Wulf1, Arie van Nes, Andrea Eikelenboom-Boskamp
1Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. m.wulf@mmb.umcn.nl
Abstract:
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Netherlands, at 1.0%, is among the lowest in Europe. In 2004, a relationship between pig farming and a high risk for MRSA carriage was found. To investigate if those in professional contact with livestock are at higher risk for MRSA carriage, we screened 80 veterinary students and 99 veterinarians and questioned them about animal contacts and known MRSA risk factors. Of these, 27 students who did not have livestock contact were excluded from further analysis. We found 7 carriers of MRSA, a prevalence of 4.6%, which is similar to that found in patients who had previously been treated at foreign hospitals. A correlation of MRSA carriage with a specific animal group could not be established. To preserve the low prevalence of MRSA in the Netherlands, persons involved in the care of livestock should be isolated and screened on admission to the hospital.
Insights
Veterinary professionals may carry methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a higher rate (4.6%) than the general population. Screening and isolation are recommended for livestock-associated MRSA prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The Netherlands has a low prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 1.0%.
- Previous studies in 2004 indicated a link between pig farming and increased MRSA carriage risk.
- The risk of MRSA carriage among individuals with professional contact with livestock requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if veterinary professionals (students and veterinarians) are at a higher risk for MRSA carriage.
- To explore potential correlations between MRSA carriage and specific animal contacts within this professional group.
Main Methods:
- Screening for MRSA in 80 veterinary students and 99 veterinarians.
- Questionnaires on animal contact history and known MRSA risk factors.
- Exclusion of 27 students without livestock contact from analysis.
Main Results:
- MRSA was detected in 7 individuals, resulting in a carriage prevalence of 4.6% among the studied veterinary professionals.
- This prevalence is comparable to that observed in patients previously treated in foreign hospitals.
- No specific animal group was significantly correlated with MRSA carriage in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary professionals with livestock contact may have an elevated risk of MRSA carriage.
- Maintaining the low MRSA prevalence in the Netherlands necessitates targeted screening and isolation protocols.
- Individuals involved in livestock care should be screened upon hospital admission to prevent MRSA transmission.
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