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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Identification and Assessment of the Behavior of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci in Cheese
1Department of Commodity and Quality Management, Gdynia Maritime University, Morska 81-87, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland.
Abstract:
This study was carried out with the aim of identifying and assessing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) during lactic acid cheese storage. The study involved 30 assortments of lactic acid cheese and 21 cheeses with S. aureus TWP11616 (MRSA). Results showed low MRSA contamination levels in lactic acid cheese. The majority of cow and goat lactic acid cheese samples (more than 72%) were characterized by a low level of MRSA (≤10 CFU/g). With regard to cow and sheep lactic acid cheese, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. contamination levels of ≥100 CFU/g were found in 88 and 100% of samples, respectively. The microbial dynamics of MRSA changes in lactic acid cheese suggest a significant reduction in contamination levels after 4 days of product storage, and this decrease is likely not dependent on the type of packaging method.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination in lactic acid cheese is generally low. Storage for over 4 days significantly reduces MRSA levels, irrespective of packaging.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen.
- Lactic acid cheese is a popular dairy product with varying microbial communities.
- Assessing pathogen presence in cheese is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify MRSA contamination in lactic acid cheese during storage.
- To evaluate the impact of storage duration and packaging on MRSA levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 30 lactic acid cheese assortments for MRSA.
- Inclusion of 21 cheeses specifically inoculated with MRSA (S. aureus TWP11616).
- Monitoring MRSA levels (CFU/g) over storage periods.
Main Results:
- Most cow and goat lactic acid cheese samples (over 72%) showed low MRSA levels (≤10 CFU/g).
- Higher contamination (≥100 CFU/g) found in 88% of cow and 100% of sheep lactic acid cheese.
- Significant MRSA reduction observed after 4 days of storage, independent of packaging.
Conclusions:
- Lactic acid cheese generally exhibits low MRSA contamination.
- Storage duration is a key factor in reducing MRSA in cheese.
- Packaging method does not appear to influence MRSA reduction during storage.
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