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Updated: May 29, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
The first detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in pigs in Korea
Suk-Kyung Lim1, Hyang-Mi Nam, Gum-Chan Jang
1National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service, 480, Anyang, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea. imsk0049@korea.kr
Abstract:
In order to determine the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pigs in Korea, a total of 657 nasal swabs were collected from pigs on 66 different pig farms nationwide during February 2008-May 2009. The prevalences of MRSA positive samples in pigs and farms were 3.2% (21/657) and 22.7% (15/66), respectively. Two different types were found among the 21 MRSA isolates: 17 strains of livestock-associated type (LA; ST398 or ST541/spa t034) and 4 strains of human-associated type (HA; ST72/spa t664 or t2461). The most prevalent type of MRSA strain was ST398/t034 (12/21, 57%), followed by ST541/t034 (5/21, 23.8%). The rest of the isolates were ST72/t664 (n=2) and ST72/t2461 (n=2), respectively. Our data provide evidence for the existence of not only LA types (ST398 and ST541) but also HA type (ST72) MRSA in pigs in Korea. This survey provides the first evidence of LA type MRSA in animals in Korea. In addition, the presence of human MRSA clones in pigs observed in this study suggests an additional reservoir for human MRSA infection, and vice versa.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in Korean pigs, with livestock-associated and human-associated types identified. This study highlights pigs as a potential reservoir for both animal and human MRSA strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to both animal and human health.
- Understanding MRSA epidemiology in livestock is crucial for controlling its spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of MRSA in pigs across Korea.
- To identify livestock-associated (LA) and human-associated (HA) MRSA strains in swine populations.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide collection of 657 nasal swabs from pigs on 66 farms (February 2008-May 2009).
- Laboratory analysis to detect and characterize MRSA isolates, including typing (ST and spa).
Main Results:
- MRSA was found in 3.2% of pigs (21/657) and 22.7% of farms (15/66).
- Identified MRSA strains included livestock-associated types (ST398, ST541) and human-associated types (ST72).
- The most common strain was ST398/t034 (57% of isolates).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of LA-MRSA in animals in Korea.
- The presence of HA-MRSA in pigs suggests swine can act as a reservoir for human MRSA infections.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring MRSA in livestock for zoonotic disease control.
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