Livestock-associated MRSA in Humans, Europe
Author Information
Author(s): van Cleef Brigitte A.G.L., Monnet Dominique L., Voss Andreas, Krziwanek Karina, Allerberger Franz, Struelens Marc, Zemlickova Helena, Skov Robert L., Vuopio-Varkila Jaana, Cuny Christiane, Friedrich Alexander W., Spiliopoulou Iris, Pászti Judit, Hardardottir Hjordis, Rossney Angela, Pan Angelo, Pantosti Annalisa, Borg Michael, Grundmann Hajo, Mueller-Premru Manica, Olsson-Liljequist Barbro, Widmer Andreas, Harbarth Stephan, Schweiger Alexander, Unal Serhat, Kluytmans Jan A.J.W.
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
Hypothesis
What is the proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from humans in Europe that are sequence type (ST) 398?
Conclusion
Livestock-associated MRSA ST398 contributes to only a small fraction of all MRSA in humans across Europe.
Supporting Evidence
- MRSA ST398 accounted for only 1.7% of MRSA isolates from humans in the study.
- The highest proportions of MRSA ST398 were found in the Netherlands (11.9%) and Belgium (4.7%).
- Correlation was found between MRSA ST398 prevalence and pig density.
- Only 8 of 15 countries reported MRSA ST398 in human samples.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in Europe have a type of bacteria called MRSA that comes from livestock. It found that not many people have it.
Methodology
Questionnaires were sent to laboratories to collect data on MRSA isolates and their types.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-random selection of laboratories and varying screening policies.
Limitations
The study may have selection bias as laboratories were not randomly selected.
Participant Demographics
Data collected from 24 laboratories across 17 European countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.5–2.0%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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