Prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern in healthcare workers at Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
Askarian Mehrdad,Zeinalzadeh Alihosein,Japoni Aziz,Alborzi Abdolvahab,Memish Ziad A
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2006. Nasal swabs were taken from 600 randomly selected HCWs. The isolates were identified as S. aureus based on morphology, Gram stain, catalase test, coagulase test, and mannitol salt agar fermentation. To analyze sensitivity patterns of MRSA strains more precisely, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics were determined by the E-test method. All methicillin-resistant isolates were examined for the existence of the mecA gene by total DNA extraction and PCR. RESULTS:The prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) was 25.7% and of MRSA was 5.3%, with the highest nasal carriage of MRSA in surgical wards and the emergency department. There was no significant difference between the sexes (p=0.247), age (p=0.817), and years of healthcare service (p=0.15) with regard to the nasal carriage of MRSA and MSSA. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant difference was only found for occupation (p=0.032) between the carriage of MSSA and MRSA. In the multivariate analysis, the occupation 'nurse' was independently associated with MRSA carriage (p=0.012, odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.7). The highest resistance rate for both gentamicin and clindamycin (69%) was noted among the MRSA strains. None of the MRSA strains were resistant to mupirocin, linezolid, fusidic acid, or vancomycin. The existence of the mecA gene in all 32 methicillin-resistant isolates was observed by PCR. CONCLUSIONS:This study revealed the prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus strains among HCWs to be lower than that found in other studies from Iran. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns also differed, perhaps as a result of the excessive use of antibiotics at our hospital. Only the occupation of nurse was an independent risk factor for MRSA carriage.
10.1016/j.ijid.2008.11.026
Methicillin-resistant-Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection in a rehabilitation facility.
Aeilts G D,Sapico F L,Canawati H N,Malik G M,Montgomerie J Z
Journal of clinical microbiology
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection in a rehabilitation hospital (Rancho Los Amigos Hospital [RLAH]) were studied from October 1977 to May 1980. Eighty-four episodes of MRSA colonization or infection were observed in 81 patients (attack rate, 0.44 per 100 admissions). The MRSA was considered to have been acquired at RLAH in 65% of the episodes and from transferring hospitals in 34%. The infection rate was 35% among MRSA-colonized patients, and only one death was attributed to MRSA infection. Colonization for more than 100 days occurred most frequently in wounds and anterior nares. All but two of the MRSA isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides, and 80% of those typed belonged to phage type 83A. The patients were allowed to continue participation in rehabilitation programs. Spread of the MRSA occurred in wards where intensive medical and nursing care was being practiced. There was no evidence of MRSA spread in the services with less intense medical and nursing care and where physical and occupational therapy was continued. Patients in a rehabilitation hospital with MRSA colonization may receive intensive physical and occupational therapy as long as special precautions are observed to prevent MRSA spread.
10.1128/jcm.16.2.218-223.1982
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in slaughtered pigs and abattoir workers in Italy.
Normanno Giovanni,Dambrosio Angela,Lorusso Vanessa,Samoilis Georgios,Di Taranto Pietro,Parisi Antonio
Food microbiology
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen present in the hospital environment (HA-MRSA), in the community (CA-MRSA) and in livestock, including pigs (LA-MRSA). MRSA may enter the human food chain during slaughtering and may infect humans coming into direct contact with pigs or pork products. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of MRSA isolated from pigs and workers at industrial abattoirs in southern Italy. A total of 215 pig nasal swabs were screened for the presence of MRSA using PCR. An MRSA isolate was detected from each mecA/nuc PCR-positive sample and characterized by spa-typing, Multi-Locus Sequence Typing, SCC-mec and Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL), and also tested for the production of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). Eighty-one MRSA isolates (37.6%) were obtained from the 215 pig nasal swabs; 37 of these isolates were further characterized, and showed 18 different spa-types and 8 different STs. The most frequently recovered STs were ST398 (CC398-t034, t011, t899, t1939 - 43.2%) followed by ST8 (CC8-t008, t064, t2953, t5270 - 24.3%) and ST1 (CC1-t127, t174, t2207 - 10.8%). Nine MRSA isolates were obtained from the 113 human swabs; the isolates showed 5 different spa-types and 5 different STs, including the novel ST2794 (t159). The most representative STs recovered were ST1 (CC1-t127) and ST398 (CC398-t034) (33.3%). None of the MRSA isolates showed the ability to produce SEs and PVL and all resulted resistant to two or more classes of antimicrobials. This study shows the great genetic diversity of MRSA strains in slaughtered pigs and in abattoir employees in Italy, and clearly demonstrates the need for improved hygiene standards to reduce the risk of occupational and food-borne infection linked to the handling/consumption of raw pork containing MRSA.
10.1016/j.fm.2015.04.007
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among US prisoners and military personnel: review and recommendations for future studies.
Aiello Allison E,Lowy Franklin D,Wright Lester N,Larson Elaine L
The Lancet. Infectious diseases
We reviewed published work examining the prevalence and risk factors for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in two high-risk groups: prisoners and military enlistees. Significant risk factors for infection included prison occupation, gender, comorbidities, prior skin infection, and previous antibiotic use. Although characteristics such as hygiene, physical contact, and crowding were postulated as risk factors for MRSA infection, there were few epidemiological studies supporting these factors. Most studies identified were retrospective in design and only one study used prospective surveillance for MRSA colonisation among all individuals residing within a single military setting. Our results suggest that there is a high incidence of MRSA infection among individuals in prisons and military settings, but surveys that quantify the prevalence of MRSA colonisation among individuals living within these specialised settings are needed. A thorough examination of MRSA acquisition and transmission patterns in prisons and military settings could help elucidate preventive strategies in other crowded and closed settings.
10.1016/S1473-3099(06)70491-1
The Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Nasal Carriage among Industrial Hog Operation Workers, Community Residents, and Children Living in Their Households: North Carolina, USA.
Hatcher Sarah M,Rhodes Sarah M,Stewart Jill R,Silbergeld Ellen,Pisanic Nora,Larsen Jesper,Jiang Sharon,Krosche Amanda,Hall Devon,Carroll Karen C,Heaney Christopher D
Environmental health perspectives
BACKGROUND:Antibiotic use in industrial hog operations (IHOs) can support the emergence of antibiotic-resistant (ABR) . The extent of ABR exposure in IHO workers and children living in their households remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:We investigated ABR nasal carriage prevalence among adults with versus without occupational exposure to IHOs and among children living in their households. METHODS:In total, 198 IHO worker-child household pairs and 202 community referent (CR) adult-child household pairs completed a questionnaire and provided a nasal swab which was analyzed for methicillin-resistant (MRSA), multidrug-resistant (MDRSA), absence of (putative marker of livestock association), and type. RESULTS: nasal carriage prevalence was higher among IHO (53%) compared with CR (31%) adults [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.83], but MRSA nasal carriage prevalence was uncommon (2-3%) in IHO and CR adults. MDRSA nasal carriage prevalence was similar among IHO workers and CR adults (12% vs. 8%; aPR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.56, 2.29). Nasal carriage prevalence was higher among IHO compared with CR children for (49% vs. 31%; aPR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.99), MRSA (14% vs. 6%; aPR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.92), and MDRSA (23% vs. 8%; aPR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.47, 4.75). We also found suggestive evidence of a higher prevalence of , MRSA, and MDRSA among children living with an IHO worker who did versus did not report taking personal protective equipment (PPE) home from the IHO. Livestock-associated nasal carriage predominated among IHO workers. CONCLUSION:Our findings support the importance of further research on the prevalence and potential sources of exposure to ABR among children living with IHO workers.
10.1289/EHP35
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections from an elephant calf--San Diego, California, 2008.
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a major cause of human skin and soft tissue infections in the United States. MRSA colonization and infection also have been observed in turtles, bats, seals, sheep, rabbits, rodents, cats, dogs, pigs, birds, horses, and cattle, and MRSA infections with an epidemiologic link to animal contact have been reported in veterinary personnel, pet owners, and farm animal workers. On January 29, 2008, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency was notified of skin pustules on an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) calf and three of its caretakers at a zoo in San Diego County. After each of these infections (including the calf's infection) was laboratory confirmed as MRSA, an outbreak investigation and response was initiated by the zoo and the agency. This report summarizes the results of that investigation, which identified two additional confirmed MRSA infections, 15 suspected MRSA infections, and three MRSA-colonized persons (all among calf caretakers), and concluded that infection of the elephant calf likely came from a colonized caretaker. This is the first reported case of MRSA in an elephant and of suspected MRSA transmission from an animal to human caretakers at a zoo. Recommendations for preventing MRSA transmission in zoo settings include 1) training employees about their risks for infection and the recommended work practices to reduce them; 2) performing proper hand hygiene before and after animal contact; 3) using personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with ill or infected animals, especially during wound treatment; and 4) cleaning and disinfecting contaminated equipment and surfaces.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in horses and horse personnel, 2000-2002.
Weese J S,Archambault M,Willey B M,Hearn P,Kreiswirth B N,Said-Salim B,McGeer A,Likhoshvay Y,Prescott J F,Low D E
Emerging infectious diseases
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection was identified in 2 horses treated at a veterinary hospital in 2000, prompting a study of colonization rates of horses and associated persons. Seventy-nine horses and 27 persons colonized or infected with MRSA were identified from October 2000 to November 2002; most isolations occurred in a 3-month period in 2002. Twenty-seven (34%) of the equine isolates were from the veterinary hospital, while 41 (51%) were from 1 thoroughbred farm in Ontario. Seventeen (63%) of 27 human isolates were from the veterinary hospital, and 8 (30%) were from the thoroughbred farm. Thirteen (16%) horses and 1 (4%) person were clinically infected. Ninety-six percent of equine and 93% of human isolates were subtypes of Canadian epidemic MRSA-5, spa type 7 and possessed SCCmecIV. All tested isolates from clinical infections were negative for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes. Equine MRSA infection may be an important emerging zoonotic and veterinary disease.
10.3201/eid1103.040481
A prevalence study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in emergency department health care workers.
Bisaga April,Paquette Katherine,Sabatini Linda,Lovell Elise O
Annals of emergency medicine
STUDY OBJECTIVE:Few studies of the prevalence of nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in emergency department (ED) health care workers have been conducted. To better understand the epidemiology of this pathogen, we seek to determine the MRSA nasal colonization rates in the ED health care workers in our hospital. METHODS:We conducted a prospective cohort study on a convenience sample of ED health care workers, including nurses, physicians, and technicians. Nasal swabs from subjects were analyzed with a polymerase chain reaction assay for the presence of MRSA. RESULTS:Of the 105 ED health care workers enrolled, a total of 16 (15%, 95% confidence interval 9.6% to 23%) were MRSA positive. No significant difference was observed in colonization rates between nurses, physicians, and technicians. CONCLUSION:Our ED health care workers demonstrated a high prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization compared with individuals in recent community surveillance and other studies involving ED staff.
10.1016/j.annemergmed.2008.03.019
Evidence for Human Adaptation and Foodborne Transmission of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Larsen Jesper,Stegger Marc,Andersen Paal S,Petersen Andreas,Larsen Anders R,Westh Henrik,Agersø Yvonne,Fetsch Alexandra,Kraushaar Britta,Käsbohrer Annemarie,Feβler Andrea T,Schwarz Stefan,Cuny Christiane,Witte Wolfgang,Butaye Patrick,Denis Olivier,Haenni Marisa,Madec Jean-Yves,Jouy Eric,Laurent Frederic,Battisti Antonio,Franco Alessia,Alba Patricia,Mammina Caterina,Pantosti Annalisa,Monaco Monica,Wagenaar Jaap A,de Boer Enne,van Duijkeren Engeline,Heck Max,Domínguez Lucas,Torres Carmen,Zarazaga Myriam,Price Lance B,Skov Robert L
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
We investigated the evolution and epidemiology of a novel livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, which colonizes and infects urban-dwelling Danes even without a Danish animal reservoir. Genetic evidence suggests both poultry and human adaptation, with poultry meat implicated as a probable source.
10.1093/cid/ciw532
Optimizing Contact Precautions to Curb the Spread of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in Hospitals: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Identify Patient Characteristics and Healthcare Personnel Interactions Associated With Transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
O'Hara Lyndsay M,Calfee David P,Miller Loren G,Pineles Lisa,Magder Laurence S,Johnson J Kristie,Morgan Daniel J,Harris Anthony D
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
BACKGROUND:Healthcare personnel (HCP) acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their gloves and gowns when caring for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Yet, contact precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains controversial despite existing guidelines. We sought to understand which patients are more likely to transfer MRSA to HCP and to identify which HCP interactions are more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination. METHODS:This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study of cultured HCP gloves and gowns for MRSA. Samples were obtained from patients' anterior nares, perianal area, and skin of the chest and arm to assess bacterial burden. RESULTS:Among 402 MRSA-colonized patients with 3982 interactions, we found that HCP gloves and gowns were contaminated with MRSA 14.3% and 5.9% of the time, respectively. Contamination of either gloves or gowns occurred in 16.2% of interactions. Contamination was highest among occupational/physical therapists (odds ratio [OR], 6.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.51, 13.79), respiratory therapists (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.04, 9.39), and when any HCP touched the patient (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.04, 6.51). Touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.38, 2.19), bedding (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.20, 1.70), and bathing (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.75) increased the odds of contamination. We found an association between increasing bacterial burden on the patient and HCP glove or gown contamination. CONCLUSIONS:Gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with MRSA in the ICU. Hospitals may consider using fewer precautions for low-risk interactions and more for high-risk interactions and personnel.
10.1093/cid/ciz621
Persistence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in field workers after short-term occupational exposure to pigs and veal calves.
van Cleef Brigitte A G L,Graveland Haitske,Haenen Anja P J,van de Giessen Arjen W,Heederik Dick,Wagenaar Jaap A,Kluytmans Jan A J W
Journal of clinical microbiology
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in pig and veal calf farmers in the Netherlands is estimated at 25 to 35%. However, no information is available about MRSA carriage in humans after short-term occupational exposure to pigs or veal calves. This study examines the prevalence and duration of MRSA acquisition after short-term intensive exposure to pigs or veal calves for persons not exposed to livestock on a daily basis. The study was performed with field workers who took samples from the animals or the animal houses in studies on MRSA prevalence in pig and veal farms. They were tested for MRSA by taking nasal samples before, directly after, and 24 h after they visited the farms. There were 199 sampling moments from visits to 118 MRSA-positive farms. Thirty-four of these visits (17%) resulted in the acquisition of MRSA. Thirty-one persons (94%) appeared negative again after 24 h. There were 62 visits to 34 MRSA-negative farms; none of the field workers acquired MRSA during these visits. Except for that from one person, all spa types found in the field workers were identical to those found in the animals or in the dust in animal houses and belonged to the livestock-associated clone. In conclusion, MRSA is frequently present after short-term occupational exposure, but in most cases the strain is lost again after 24 h.
10.1128/JCM.00493-10
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in veterinary doctors and students, the Netherlands.
Wulf Mireille,van Nes Arie,Eikelenboom-Boskamp Andrea,de Vries Janneke,Melchers Willem,Klaassen Corné,Voss Andreas
Emerging infectious diseases
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Netherlands, at 1.0%, is among the lowest in Europe. In 2004, a relationship between pig farming and a high risk for MRSA carriage was found. To investigate if those in professional contact with livestock are at higher risk for MRSA carriage, we screened 80 veterinary students and 99 veterinarians and questioned them about animal contacts and known MRSA risk factors. Of these, 27 students who did not have livestock contact were excluded from further analysis. We found 7 carriers of MRSA, a prevalence of 4.6%, which is similar to that found in patients who had previously been treated at foreign hospitals. A correlation of MRSA carriage with a specific animal group could not be established. To preserve the low prevalence of MRSA in the Netherlands, persons involved in the care of livestock should be isolated and screened on admission to the hospital.
10.3201/eid1212.060355
MRSA in dermatology - Prospective epidemiological study in employees and patients of a dermatological department of a university hospital.
Reich-Schupke Stefanie,Geis Gabriele,Reising Matthias,Altmeyer Peter,Stücker Markus
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
BACKGROUND:In recent years, the prevalence of MRSA has increased worldwide. There is a lack of systematic epidemiological studies evaluating the prevalence of MRSA in dermatology in Germany. OBJECTIVE:What is the prevalence of MRSA in the employees and hospitalized patients in a dermatological department? What dermatological diagnoses have the highest risk for MRSA? PATIENTS AND METHODS:Nasal swabs taken twice (at admission and discharge) from all consenting hospitalized patients and once from all consenting employees were analyzed for MRSA. RESULTS:Analysis von 798 swabs (715 patients, 83 employees). Detection of MRSA in 31 swabs (MRSA rates: all = 4.3 %, patients = 3.7 %, employees = 4.8 %). Patients with a chronic leg ulcer had a significantly increased risk for MRSA (p = 0.03). Increased MRSA rates without statistical significance were found for men, patients with at least one hospitalization during the last 12 weeks and a hospitalization of at least 5 days. None of the patients with psoriasis had MRSA. CONCLUSIONS:In comparison to international studies, the prevalence of MRSA in the current study is in the lower third. In dermatology, patients with a chronic leg ulcer have an increased risk for MRSA and should be screened at admission. A general screening for MRSA seems to be not reasonable in view of the low MRSA rates in the investigated department.
10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07381.x
Unidirectional animal-to-human transmission of methicillin-resistant ST398 in pig farming; evidence from a surveillance study in southern Italy.
Pirolo Mattia,Visaggio Daniela,Gioffrè Angela,Artuso Irene,Gherardi Monica,Pavia Grazia,Samele Pasquale,Ciambrone Lucia,Di Natale Rossella,Spatari Giovanna,Casalinuovo Francesco,Visca Paolo
Antimicrobial resistance and infection control
Background:Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant (MRSA) belonging to clonal complex 398 is recognized as an occupational hazard for workers employed in intensive animal husbandry, especially in the swine-breeding chain. In this study, we compared the prevalence and epidemiological type of MRSA isolates from swine and farm workers in a large area of southern Italy. Methods:Between January and March 2018, 88 workers from 32 farms where we had previously performed a survey for MRSA colonization of farmed pigs, were sampled by nasal swabbing. A follow-up investigation was conducted on seven workers 1 year after primary screening. MRSA isolates were characterized by MLST, and SCC typing, and tested for susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials. Epidemiological correlations between human and swine MRSA isolates were supported by Rep-MP3 and RAPD PCR fingerprinting, and whole-genome sequencing. Results:The overall colonization rate of MRSA in swine farm workers was 21.6%, being significantly higher in intensive farms and in workers with direct animal contact. All human MRSA isolates were multi-drug resistant, belonged to the ST398 livestock clade, and did not carry Panton-Valentine leukocidin and enterotoxin genes. Notably, 94.1% of human MRSA isolates belonged to the same epidemiological type as swine MRSA isolates from the corresponding farm. Persistent MRSA carriage was documented in some workers 1 year after primary sampling. Conclusions:We report a high prevalence of MRSA among swine farm workers, with higher colonization rates associated with intensive breeding and animal exposure. Our findings suggest unidirectional animal-to-human transmission of LA-MRSA and denote the high zoonotic transmissibility of the ST398 livestock clade.
10.1186/s13756-019-0650-z
Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from dairy farms in North-eastern Italy.
Tomao Paola,Pirolo Mattia,Agnoletti Fabrizio,Pantosti Annalisa,Battisti Antonio,Di Martino Guido,Visaggio Daniela,Monaco Monica,Franco Alessia,Pimentel de Araujo Fernanda,Palei Manlio,Benini Nicola,Motta Cesare,Bovo Chiara,Di Renzi Simona,Vonesch Nicoletta,Visca Paolo
International journal of food microbiology
Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus along the dairy production chain is an emerging public health problem with human, veterinary, and food safety issues. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), has steadily increased in several European countries. In this study, the prevalence of S. aureus in raw cow milk and farm workers was investigated, and the trajectories of MRSA transmission at the primary stage of the dairy chain were assessed. To this purpose, a longitudinal survey was conducted in 618 dairy farms in two contiguous regions with high livestock density in North-eastern Italy. S. aureus contamination of bulk tank milk (BTM) was observed in more than 80% of farms, while MRSA prevalence was 3.6% and 15.9% in BTM and farm workers, respectively. The majority of MRSA isolates from both BTM and farm workers were assigned to ST398, and showed a worrisome multidrug-resistant phenotype. Enterotoxin and Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes were detected in 11.5% and 4.9% of MRSA isolates from both sources. Nearly all MRSA isolates from workers belonged to the same epidemiological type as BTM isolates from the corresponding farm, denoting a bidirectional MRSA transmission pattern. A focus on the ST398 spa type t899 MRSA lineage in the Italian livestock system highlighted the presence of two major clusters whose dissemination was likely facilitated by the selective pressure imposed by antimicrobial use in animal farming. Our findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of MRSA along the dairy production chain, not only to avoid transmission between animals and exposed workers, but also to contain the risk of raw milk and dairy product contamination by multidrug resistant and toxigenic strain.
10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108817
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in veterinary personnel.
Emerging infectious diseases
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from nares of 27/417 (6.5%) attendees at an international veterinary conference: 23/345 (7.0%) veterinarians, 4/34 (12.0%) technicians, and 0/38 others. Colonization was more common for large-animal (15/96, 15.6%) than small-animal personnel (12/271, 4.4%) or those with no animal patient contact (0/50) (p<0.001). Large-animal practice was the only variable significantly associated with colonization (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2-6.6). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified 2 predominant clones with similar distribution among veterinarians as previously reported for horses and companion animals. Canadian epidemic MRSA-2 (CMRSA) was isolated from 11 small-animal and 2 large-animal personnel from the United States (n = 12) and Germany (n = 1). In contrast, CMRSA-5 was isolated exclusively from large-animal personnel (p<0.001) in the United States (n = 10), United Kingdom (n = 2), and Denmark (n = 1). MRSA colonization may be an occupational risk for veterinary professionals.
10.3201/eid1212.060231