Investigation of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pigs used for research

J Med Microbiol. 2007 Aug;56(Pt 8):1107-1109. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.47283-0.

Abstract

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was unexpectedly isolated from a pig used for streptozotocin-induced diabetes research. To investigate the possible source of the MRSA isolate, nasal swabs were obtained from the animal herd, and from animal holding rooms, and veterinary and research staff involved in the handling of the animals. Overall, four MRSA isolates were cultured from three pigs and from a clinician/scientist. Two were ST22-MRSA-IV, a human strain type associated with epidemic spread. The other two were ST398-MRSA-V, a strain type associated with pigs. Thus, care should be taken to prevent cross-transmission of MRSA.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Carrier State / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / veterinary*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / veterinary*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Hospitals, General
  • Humans
  • Medical Laboratory Personnel
  • Methicillin / pharmacology
  • Risk Factors
  • Singapore / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / transmission
  • Staphylococcal Infections / veterinary*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Swine Diseases / microbiology
  • Veterinarians

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Methicillin