Methicillin-Resistant and -Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in Pigs and Humans
Author Information
Author(s): van Belkum Alex, Melles Damian C., Peeters Justine K., van Leeuwen Willem B., van Duijkeren Engeline, Huijsdens Xander W., Spalburg Emile, de Neeling Albert J., Verbrugh Henri A.
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Rotterdam
Hypothesis
Can the clinical effect of the porcine ST398 MRSA strain be substantiated by the existence of genetically homologous MSSA strains among humans?
Conclusion
ST398 MRSA from pigs is capable of causing serious infections in humans, despite its primary host being pigs.
Supporting Evidence
- ST398 MRSA was identified in Dutch pigs and pig farmers.
- ST398 MSSA circulates among humans at a low frequency of 0.2%.
- Three human cases of bacteremia were linked to ST398 MSSA.
Takeaway
This study found that a type of bacteria from pigs can also infect humans, and it might make people very sick.
Methodology
Population genetic analysis of MSSA isolates compared to pig-derived ST398 MRSA isolates using spa-sequencing and AFLP analysis.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small number of MSSA isolates that coclustered with ST398 MRSA.
Participant Demographics
The study included pig farmers and patients with bacteremia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Statistical Significance
p = 0.026
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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