G'day LA-MRSA

Authors: Jordan D, Groves M
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Public Health, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a prominent pathogen in humans since the 1960’s. In the past decade, a new eco-type of MRSA associated with livestock has emerged in many regions of the world. Livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) appear adapted for transmission amongst intensively managed animals, including pigs, cattle, poultry and horses. Some lineages of LA-MRSA have caused serious infections in persons exposed to colonised animals1. Internationally, several distinct types, or clonal lineages, of LA-MRSA are reported. Some colonise a single host species while others exhibit a greater host range. For example, multilocus sequence type (ST) 398 and ST9 MRSA inhabit pigs, cattle, poultry and horses whereas LA-MRSA strains belonging to clonal complexes (CC’s) 8 and 130 almost exclusively colonise horses and cattle, respectively. Regardless of genetic lineage or host species, all LA-MRSA represent a zoonotic risk for persons working in the veterinary sector. LA-MRSA has been reported in animals and humans in Australia. The following paper will detail the extent of knowledge of MRSA in livestock in Australia; explain the practical relevance of LA-MRSA to Australian veterinarians; and briefly discuss strategies for preventing colonisation from exposure to livestock.
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