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Persistent and Transient Airborne MRSA Colonization of Piglets in a Newly Established Animal Model
Kerstin Rosen1, Uwe Roesler1, Roswitha Merle2
1Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) was first found in 2005 and is up to date widespread in animal husbandry reservoir - focusing on pig farming. The regular detectability of MRSA in the air of pigsties as well as in exhaust air of pig farms (mean count: 102 cfu/m3) poses the question whether an airborne spread and, therefore, a MRSA colonization of animals via the airborne route exists. To answer this question, we exposed three groups of nine MRSA-negative tested piglets each to a defined airborne MRSA concentration (102, 104, and 106 cfu/m3) in our aerosol chamber for 24 h. In the following observation period of 21 days, the MRSA status of the piglets was monitored by taking different swab samples (nasal, pharyngeal, skin, conjunctival, and rectal swab). At the end of the experiment, we euthanized the piglets and investigated different tissues and organs for the spread of MRSA. The data of our study imply the presence of an airborne MRSA colonization route: the animals exposed to 106 cfu/m3 MRSA in the air were persistent colonized. The piglets exposed to an airborne MRSA concentration of 104 cfu/m3 were transient, and the piglets exposed to an airborne MRSA concentration of 102 cfu/m3 were not colonized. Consequently, a colonization via the airborne route was proven.
Insights
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) can colonize pigs via airborne transmission. Higher airborne concentrations led to persistent colonization, proving an airborne route for MRSA spread in pig farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is prevalent in pig farming.
- MRSA is regularly detected in pigsty air, suggesting potential airborne transmission.
- The existence of an airborne colonization route for animals remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for airborne transmission of LA-MRSA to piglets.
- To determine the relationship between airborne MRSA concentration and colonization.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of MRSA-negative piglets to defined airborne MRSA concentrations (10^2, 10^4, 10^6 cfu/m^3) in an aerosol chamber for 24 hours.
- Monitoring of MRSA status through various swab samples (nasal, pharyngeal, skin, conjunctival, rectal) over 21 days.
- Post-mortem investigation of tissues and organs for MRSA presence.
Main Results:
- Piglets exposed to 10^6 cfu/m^3 showed persistent MRSA colonization.
- Transient colonization was observed in piglets exposed to 10^4 cfu/m^3.
- No colonization occurred in piglets exposed to 10^2 cfu/m^3.
Conclusions:
- Airborne transmission is a viable route for MRSA colonization in piglets.
- The level of airborne MRSA concentration dictates the persistence of colonization.
- Findings confirm airborne spread as a significant factor in LA-MRSA epidemiology in pig farming.
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