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Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dairy farms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Shrijana Khanal1, Sukolrat Boonyayatra2,3, Nattakarn Awaiwanont1,2,3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Public Health Centre for Asia Pacific, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic bacterium that causes many human and animal infections worldwide. MRSA infections are classified as priority infections owing to their high morbidity and mortality, with a significant risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms and its heterogeneity. Relevant studies were retrieved from three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The pooled prevalence of MRSA in dairy farms was estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to assess the probable sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were also performed. A total of 94 articles were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of MRSA was estimated to be 3.81% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 2.61-5.20] with significantly high heterogeneity (I 2 = 96.6%, p = 0.00). For the subgroup analysis among continents, the prevalence was highest in Asia (4.89%; 95% CI = 2.88-7.35) and lowest in South America (1.33%, 95% CI = 0.00-5.49). As for the year of publication, MRSA prevalence was highest in reports published from 2015 to 2018 (4.36%, 95% CI = 2.41-6.80) and lowest in reports published before 2015 (2.65%, 95% CI = 0.75-5.52). As for sample type, the prevalence of MRSA in cattle milk (3.91%, 95% CI = 2.64-5.39) was higher than that in other sample types (1.19%, 95% CI = 0.05-3.24). These three factors were not significantly associated with the pooled prevalence of MRSA (p > 0.05). Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of MRSA has been minimal and consistent in dairy cattle farms over time.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence in dairy cattle is minimal and consistent globally. This meta-analysis of 94 studies found an overall prevalence of 3.81%, with variations across continents and sample types.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat due to high morbidity, mortality, and zoonotic transmission risk.
- Dairy cattle farms are potential reservoirs for MRSA, necessitating an understanding of its prevalence and transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pooled prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms worldwide.
- To assess the heterogeneity of MRSA prevalence across different geographical regions, publication years, and sample types.
Main Methods:
- A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, including 94 eligible studies retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
- A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of MRSA.
- Subgroup, meta-regression, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed to investigate heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms was estimated at 3.81% (95% CI = 2.61-5.20), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 96.6%).
- Prevalence varied by continent (highest in Asia: 4.89%) and publication period (highest 2015-2018: 4.36%), and was higher in milk samples (3.91%) than other types (1.19%).
- Geographical region, publication year, and sample type were not significantly associated with the pooled MRSA prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The overall prevalence of MRSA in dairy cattle farms appears minimal and has remained consistent over time.
- Despite variations observed in subgroup analyses, no single factor significantly explained the high heterogeneity in MRSA prevalence.
- Continued surveillance and control measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with MRSA in dairy production and potential zoonotic transmission.
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