METHICILLIN - RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN PIG PRODUCTION CHAIN

Abstract

A new threat for public health is represented by MRSA strains. The isolation of MRSA strains from several food producing animals and from foods has been reported. MRSA can be transmitted between people and animals during close contact. The pig-associated lineage MRSA CC398 is a particular concern. This lineage has spread widely among swine and it was first recognized as a zoonosis in the Netherlands. The prevalence of CC398 in swine varies with the geographic region. In addition to pigs, which seem to be the reservoir hosts for CC398, this lineage has been detected in a variety of other domesticated animals, as well as rats living on pig farms. Colonization with livestock associated MRSA has been reported frequently in people who work with these animals. A better knowledge on transmission routes of MRSA are needed to prevent the spreading of this pathogen along the pig production chain.