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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

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Published on: February 9, 2011

Colonization and transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in nursery piglets

Florence Crombé1, Wannes Vanderhaeghen, Jeroen Dewulf

  • 1Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Department of Bacterial Diseases, Ukkel, Belgium. flcro@coda-cerva.be

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|December 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 spreads easily in nursery piglets. This study found high reproduction ratios, indicating MRSA ST398 is likely to become established in piglet populations.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Animal Health
  • Infectious Disease Transmission

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 is a significant pathogen in livestock.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics in nursery pigs is crucial for control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the transmission of MRSA ST398 in a nursery piglet model.
  • To determine the reproductive ratio (R(0)) of MRSA ST398 in this setting.

Main Methods:

  • A controlled transmission experiment was conducted with nursery piglets.
  • Reproduction ratios (R(0)) were calculated for three experimental groups.

Main Results:

  • R(0) values ranged from 3.92 to 52.54 across the experimental groups.
  • These high values indicate efficient spread of MRSA ST398.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA ST398 spreads readily among weaned piglets after introduction.
  • The bacteria has a strong tendency to become established within piglet populations.

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