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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
MRSA CC398 in the pig production chain.
E M Broens1, E A M Graat, P J van der Wolf
1Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands. els.broens@wur.nl
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|November 16, 2010
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA CC398) spreads through pig trading, posing risks. Purchasing pigs from MRSA-positive suppliers significantly increases herd infection risk, necessitating control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Health
- Food Safety
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 (MRSA CC398) emerged in pigs and humans in 2005.
- The pig production chain facilitates pathogen spread during animal trading.
- Increasing MRSA prevalence in herds necessitates understanding transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of a supplying herd's MRSA status on the receiving herd's status.
- To elucidate the role of animal trading in MRSA CC398 transmission.
- To identify risk factors for MRSA in pig production.
Main Methods:
- Nasal and environmental samples collected from 38 pig herds across 14 production chains.
- Herds classified as MRSA positive based on sample results.
- Statistical analysis to determine the association between supplier and receiver herd MRSA status.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six percent of the studied herds were MRSA positive.
- Herds with MRSA-positive suppliers had a significantly higher risk (79%) of being MRSA positive compared to those with MRSA-negative suppliers (23%).
- MRSA CC398 was detected throughout the pig production chain.
Conclusions:
- Purchasing pigs from MRSA-positive herds presents a substantial risk for MRSA transmission.
- A top-down control strategy is essential for managing MRSA in pig production.
- Additional risk factors beyond supplier status contribute to MRSA prevalence.
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