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Published on: November 4, 2016

Heterogeneity among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Italian pig finishing holdings

A Battisti1, A Franco, G Merialdi

  • 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy. antonio.battisti@izslt.it

Veterinary Microbiology
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 38% of Italian pig holdings in 2008. This study identified both animal- and human-associated MRSA strains, highlighting potential risks for human infections.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in both healthcare and agricultural settings.
  • Understanding MRSA prevalence and strain diversity in livestock is crucial for controlling its spread and potential zoonotic transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of MRSA in Italian finishing pig holdings.
  • To identify MRSA lineages, spa-types, SCCmec types, and antimicrobial resistance profiles.
  • To assess the potential for MRSA transmission between pigs and humans.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide survey of MRSA in Italian finishing pig holdings conducted in 2008.
  • Isolates were characterized using spa-typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), SCCmec typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
  • Prevalence and genotypic data were analyzed to determine MRSA diversity and associations.

Main Results:

  • MRSA was detected in 38% of the surveyed holdings (45/118).
  • Eleven spa-types were identified, with lineages associated with farm animals (ST398, ST9, ST(CC)97) and humans (ST1) being prevalent.
  • The study reported the first findings of MRSA ST1 and ST(CC)97 in pigs in Europe, along with ST9.
  • High resistance rates were observed for tetracyclines, trimethoprim, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the presence of diverse MRSA strains, including those linked to human infections, in Italian pig populations.
  • The findings suggest that pig holdings can act as reservoirs for MRSA, potentially posing a risk for human health.
  • Further surveillance and control measures are warranted to mitigate MRSA transmission in agricultural settings.

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