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Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Rat
Published on: June 4, 2012
Occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in rats living on pig farms
A W van de Giessen1, M G van Santen-Verheuvel, P D Hengeveld
1Centre for Infectious Disease Control Nertherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. Arjen.van.de.Giessen@rivm.nl
Abstract:
In The Netherlands, MRSA ST398 has emerged in hospitals and human carriers have been associated with exposure to pigs and cattle. High prevalences of MRSA ST398 in pigs and pig farmers have been determined and the transmission routes of MRSA on pig farms need to be elucidated. In the south of the Netherlands, in recent years, the black rat (Rattus rattus) has emerged as a prominent rodent on livestock farms. From March till May 2008, a survey on MRSA in rats living on livestock farms in the south of The Netherlands and the north of Belgium was conducted. In total, 40 black rats (R. rattus) and 3 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) were collected on 12 farms including five pig farms, five poultry farms, one mixed pig and veal farm and one goat farm. MRSA ST398 was detected in black rats captured at two of the five pig farms as well as in a black rat living on the mixed pig and veal farm. From one black rat captured at another pig farm MRSA ST 97 was isolated. Considering the behaviour of rats on livestock farms, it is concluded that rats might play a role in the spread and persistence of MRSA on pig farms.
Insights
Black rats (Rattus rattus) on Dutch livestock farms may spread Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA ST398 was found in rats on pig farms, suggesting a role in transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 is prevalent in pigs and humans in The Netherlands, linked to livestock exposure.
- Transmission routes of MRSA on pig farms require further investigation.
- Black rats (Rattus rattus) have recently become common on livestock farms in the southern Netherlands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential role of rats in the epidemiology of MRSA on livestock farms.
- To determine if rats carry MRSA ST398 or other strains.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted from March to May 2008 on 12 livestock farms in the southern Netherlands and northern Belgium.
- A total of 43 rats (40 black rats, 3 brown rats) were collected from five pig farms, five poultry farms, one mixed pig and veal farm, and one goat farm.
- Rat samples were tested for the presence of MRSA, with specific attention to ST398 and other sequence types.
Main Results:
- MRSA ST398 was detected in black rats from two pig farms and the mixed pig and veal farm.
- MRSA ST 97 was isolated from a black rat on a different pig farm.
- No MRSA was detected in brown rats.
Conclusions:
- Black rats on livestock farms may contribute to the spread and persistence of MRSA, particularly ST398.
- The behavior of rats suggests they could act as vectors for MRSA within and between farms.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of rodents in MRSA transmission dynamics.
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