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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in pork industry workers, Catalonia, Spain
Sara Quero1,2, Marina Serras-Pujol3,4, Noemí Párraga-Niño1
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Health Sciences Research Institute of the Germans Trias i Pujol Foundation, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) especially ST398, is a zoonotic agent. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA among workers in the pork production chain.
Methods:
659 workers associated with 123 pig farms, livestock transporters, one pig slaughterhouse, pork transporters and 23 pork butcheries were studied for S. aureus recovery, and all isolates were characterized (antibiotic resistance, MLST and spa-typing).
Results:
The prevalence of S. aureus was 35.5%, 75.6% of isolates being MRSA. The prevalence of MRSA was 68.7% (149/217) among pig farm, 33.9% (19/56) livestock transporters, 2.9% (9/306) slaughterhouse, 0% in pork transporters (0/36) and butchery workers (0/44). Of the 234 S. aureus-positive workers, 100% (149/149) of pig farm workers, 82.6% (19/23) of livestock transporters, and 16.4% (9/55) of slaughterhouse workers carried MRSA isolates (p < 0.001). Of the workers who had contact with live swine, 61.8% (178/288) were S. aureus-positive, MRSA being detected in 96.1% of cases (p < 0.001). The most frequent lineage among MRSA were: ST398 (97.7%; 173/177) and ST1 (1.7%; 3/177); and among MSSA were ST30 (19.2%; 11/57) and ST5 (10.5%; 6/57). The most frequent spa-types among MRSA were t011 (93.8%, 166/177) and t1451 (2.25%, 4/177), and among MSSA: t084 (10.5%, 6/57) and t021 (7.0%, 4/57). All MRSA isolates showed resistance to tetracycline, 92.7% to clindamycin, 81.9% to erythromycin and 40.1% to cotrimoxazole.
Conclusions:
Pig industry workers having occupational contact with live animals present a high risk of colonization of MRSA, especially by MRSA-ST398. Prevention measures should be intensified in any employment sector involving live animals.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent in pork production workers, particularly those with direct animal contact. ST398 strains are most common, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention in animal-related industries.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Public Health
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly ST398, is a significant zoonotic pathogen.
- Understanding MRSA and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) prevalence in the pork industry is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MSSA and MRSA among workers in the pork production chain.
- To identify specific risk factors and common strains within this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Studied 659 workers across pig farms, livestock and pork transport, a slaughterhouse, and butcheries.
- Conducted Staphylococcus aureus recovery and characterized isolates for antibiotic resistance, Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), and spa-typing.
Main Results:
- Overall Staphylococcus aureus prevalence was 35.5%, with MRSA accounting for 75.6% of isolates.
- MRSA prevalence was highest among pig farm workers (68.7%) and those with direct contact with live swine (96.1%).
- MRSA ST398 was the predominant lineage (97.7%), and isolates showed high resistance to tetracycline, clindamycin, and erythromycin.
Conclusions:
- Workers in the pork industry with occupational contact with live animals face a high risk of MRSA colonization, predominantly by ST398.
- Intensified prevention strategies are recommended for all employment sectors involving direct contact with live animals.
