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Published on: May 8, 2013
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Livestock in Japan: A Systematic Review and
Sayoko Hanamoto1, Yuri Fujimoto2, Katsuaki Sugiura3,4
1Division of Infection Control and Disease Prevention, Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
Abstract:
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important health issue that is estimated to have caused 130,000 deaths worldwide in 2021. As more instances of cross-species transmission of MRSA have been reported, concerns have been raised regarding the spread of livestock-associated MRSA to humans. The prevalence of MRSA in livestock varies globally. This study systematically reviews the prevalence of MRSA at the farm and animal levels in Japan. Methods: Relevant studies published in English or Japanese between 2000 and 2023 were retrieved from four databases. Pooled prevalences at the farm and animal levels in Japanese farms were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results: The 13 studies included in this meta-analysis yielded an MRSA prevalence of 3.54% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-8.30%) at the individual pig level, 13.07% (95% CI 5.42-23.04%) at the pig farm level, 0.0% (95% CI 0.00-0.04%) at the individual cattle level, and 0% (95% CI 0.00-0.44%) at the individual chicken level. A significant increase in MRSA prevalence over time was evident at the individual pig level by both subgroup analysis (p = 0.020) and meta-regression (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Our results indicated that the proportion of pigs that can be a source of MRSA infection in humans has been steadily increasing in Japan. Despite some limitations, our findings strongly imply a need for more attention to pig-to-human MRSA transmission in Japan.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Japanese pigs is increasing, posing a growing risk for human infections. This systematic review highlights the rising prevalence of MRSA in pigs, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat, causing an estimated 130,000 deaths in 2021.
- Increasing reports of cross-species MRSA transmission raise concerns about livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) potentially spreading to human populations.
- Global prevalence of MRSA in livestock varies, necessitating region-specific investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and quantify the prevalence of MRSA in Japanese livestock at both the farm and individual animal levels.
- To analyze trends in MRSA prevalence over time in Japanese livestock populations.
- To assess the potential risk of MRSA transmission from livestock to humans in Japan.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2023 in English and Japanese databases.
- Pooled prevalence of MRSA at the farm and animal levels was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
- Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were employed to investigate heterogeneity and temporal trends in MRSA prevalence.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 13 studies, revealing MRSA prevalence rates of 3.54% in individual pigs and 13.07% in pig farms.
- MRSA prevalence was negligible in individual cattle (0.0%) and chickens (0.0%).
- A statistically significant increasing trend in MRSA prevalence was observed at the individual pig level over time (p=0.020).
Conclusions:
- The proportion of pigs serving as a reservoir for MRSA infection transmissible to humans has demonstrably increased in Japan.
- Findings underscore the growing importance of pig-to-human MRSA transmission in the Japanese context.
- Enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial to mitigate the public health risks associated with LA-MRSA in Japan.
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