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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Relationship between livestock exposure and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in humans: A
Yangqun Liu1, Changlin Han1, Zhiyao Chen1
1Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 283 Jianghai Street, Guangzhou 510310, China.
Abstract:
Although previous studies have suggested an association between livestock exposure and the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in humans, it remains unclear whether there is a dose-response relationship. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models based on homogeneity analysis. A dose-response meta-analysis based on linear and non-linear regression was performed to explore the frequency-risk relationship between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity among eligible studies. A total of 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Livestock exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of MRSA carriage [odds ratio (OR) = 7.03, 95% confidence interval 4.29-11.52], and similar positive associations were observed for pig (OR = 11.41), poultry (OR = 6.20) and cattle (OR = 5.66) exposure. Regarding studies on ordinal and continuous frequency of livestock exposure, a monotonically increasing frequency-risk relationship between livestock (or pig) exposure and MRSA carriage was consistently observed. This study found a monotonically increasing frequency-risk relationship between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage, which provides evidence for potential livestock-to-human transmission of MRSA.
Insights
Increased livestock exposure directly correlates with a higher risk of carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study confirms a dose-response relationship, suggesting a clear link between animal contact and human MRSA carriage.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research indicated a link between livestock exposure and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in humans.
- A clear dose-response relationship between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage remained unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage.
- To determine if a dose-response relationship exists between the frequency of livestock exposure and MRSA carriage.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 25 studies was conducted.
- Pooled risk estimates were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models.
- Dose-response meta-analysis using linear and non-linear regression explored the frequency-risk relationship.
Main Results:
- Livestock exposure showed a significant association with increased MRSA carriage (OR = 7.03).
- Positive associations were found for pig (OR = 11.41), poultry (OR = 6.20), and cattle (OR = 5.66) exposure.
- A monotonically increasing frequency-risk relationship was observed between livestock/pig exposure and MRSA carriage.
Conclusions:
- A dose-response relationship exists between livestock exposure and MRSA carriage.
- Findings support potential livestock-to-human transmission of MRSA.
- Public health strategies may need to address this transmission route.
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