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Pilot study on nasal microbiota dynamics and MRSA carriage of a pig cohort housed on straw bedding
Natalie Effelsberg1, Iris Kobusch2, Hannah Schollenbruch2
1Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be transmitted between pigs and humans on farms. Hence, the reduction of MRSA carriage in pigs could decrease the risk of zoonotic transmission. Recently, straw bedding has been found to significantly reduce MRSA carriage in pigs. The mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear but changes in the nasal microbiome may play a role. In this exploratory study, the nasal microbiota of pigs kept on straw was examined using V1/V2 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Nasal swabs were collected from 13 pigs at six different time points during the course of a full fattening cycle resulting in 74 porcine samples. In addition, straw samples were collected at each time point. Eleven out of 13 pigs were MRSA positive at housing-in. We found a strong temporal pattern in the microbial communities. Both microbial diversity and abundance of Staphylococcus species peaked in week 5 after introduction to the straw stable decreased in week 10, when all pigs turned MRSA-negative, and increased again toward the end of the fattening period. These findings show that the introduction of pigs into a new environment has a huge impact on their nasal microbiota, which might lead to unfavorable conditions for MRSA. Moreover, other Staphylococcus species may play a role in eliminating MRSA carriage. We designed a follow-up study including two different husbandry systems to further assess these effects.
Insights
Straw bedding significantly reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pigs by altering nasal microbiota. This finding offers a promising strategy to decrease zoonotic transmission risks from farms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Husbandry
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a zoonotic risk through pig-to-human transmission on farms.
- Reducing MRSA carriage in pigs is crucial for mitigating public health threats.
- Straw bedding has shown potential in reducing MRSA in pigs, but underlying mechanisms are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of straw bedding on the nasal microbiota of pigs.
- To investigate potential links between nasal microbiome changes and MRSA carriage reduction.
- To understand the temporal dynamics of nasal microbiota in pigs housed on straw.
Main Methods:
- Nasal swabs from 13 pigs over a full fattening cycle (74 samples) were analyzed using V1/V2 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Straw samples were collected concurrently to assess the environmental microbiome.
- MRSA status was monitored throughout the study period.
Main Results:
- A distinct temporal pattern was observed in the pigs' nasal microbial communities.
- Microbial diversity and Staphylococcus species abundance peaked at week 5, then decreased by week 10.
- All pigs became MRSA-negative by week 10, coinciding with microbial community shifts.
Conclusions:
- Environmental changes, like introduction to straw bedding, significantly impact porcine nasal microbiota.
- Nasal microbiome alterations may create conditions unfavorable for MRSA colonization.
- Other Staphylococcus species might play a role in the elimination of MRSA carriage, warranting further investigation.
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