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Published on: November 4, 2016
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in feedlot cattle
J S Weese1, S J Hannon, C W Booker
1Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. jsweese@uoguelph.ca
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important human pathogen and recent evidence has implicated food animals in the epidemiology of human infections in some regions. While the role of food in MRSA transmission and human health relevance are unclear, MRSA can be found in retail meat products internationally, including beef, yet there has been minimal investigation of MRSA in beef cattle. This study involved screening feedlot cattle for nasal and gastrointestinal colonization with MRSA shortly before the time of slaughter. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was not isolated from any of 491 nasal swabs and 488 faecal samples. This finding is in contrast to studies that have isolated MRSA from retail beef in Canada, performed in the same laboratory using comparable culture techniques. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear but it demonstrates that further study of MRSA in livestock as well as slaughter, processing and retail environments is needed to elucidate the epidemiology of MRSA contamination of meat.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was not found in feedlot cattle nasal or fecal samples. This contrasts with MRSA detection in retail beef, highlighting a need for further research into meat contamination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant human pathogen.
- Food animals are increasingly implicated in human MRSA infections.
- MRSA has been detected in international retail beef, but its presence in cattle remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MRSA colonization in feedlot cattle prior to slaughter.
- To compare MRSA presence in live cattle with findings in retail beef products.
Main Methods:
- Nasal and fecal samples were collected from 491 and 488 feedlot cattle, respectively.
- Samples were screened for MRSA using standard culture techniques.
- Methodology was consistent with previous studies detecting MRSA in retail beef.
Main Results:
- No instances of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were isolated from any nasal or fecal samples.
- This finding contrasts with previous isolation of MRSA from retail beef products.
Conclusions:
- The absence of MRSA in the studied cattle population suggests a potential disconnect between livestock colonization and retail meat contamination.
- Further investigation into MRSA in livestock, slaughter, processing, and retail environments is crucial.
- Elucidating the epidemiology of MRSA contamination in the meat supply chain requires comprehensive research.
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