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Home / Equine Research Bank / Epidemiol Infect / Companion animals: a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Sta...
Epidemiology and infection2010; 138(5); 595-605; doi: 10.1017/S0950268809991476

Companion animals: a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the community?

Abstract: This article reviews the literature on the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dogs, cats and horses. Over the past 10 years, MRSA has emerged as an important pathogen in veterinary medicine, especially in countries with a high MRSA burden in human hospitals. During the same period, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections in humans without apparent links to healthcare facilities have increased dramatically. Although animal infections occur outside human hospitals, significant epidemiological, clinical and genetic differences exist between CA-MRSA in humans and the majority of MRSA infections in the different animal species. The recognition of MRSA in animals has raised concern over their role as potential reservoirs or vectors for human MRSA infection in the community. However, available data on MRSA transmission between humans and companion animals are limited and the public health impact of such transmission needs to be the subject of more detailed epidemiological studies.
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Publication Date: 2010-01-08 PubMed ID: 20056014DOI: 10.1017/S0950268809991476Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the presence and impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pets and how this can possibly lead to increased infections in humans.

Emergence of MRSA in Veterinary Medicine

  • The paper analyzes several studies about the increasing prevalence of MRSA in animals, particularly dogs, cats, and horses, in the past decade.
  • These infections are particularly notable in regions where human hospitals also report high cases of MRSA.

Community-Associated MRSA in Humans and Animals

  • The research further discusses the significant rise in MRSA infections in people who do not have any direct contact with healthcare facilities, a phenomenon known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA).
  • There are significant differences in the epidemiological, clinical, and genetic characteristics of human and animal MRSA infection. This indicates that the MRSA strains infecting animals are largely distinct from those affecting humans in the community.

Potential of Animals as MRSA Reservoirs or Vectors

  • The presence of MRSA in animals has raised concerns about their potential role as sources or carriers for human MRSA infections within the community.
  • Animals could possibly spread MRSA to humans through close contact or if humans come into contact with materials contaminated by the MRSA-infected animal. Conversely, humans can also transfer MRSA to animals.

Need for More Detailed Epidemiological Studies

  • The paper concludes by highlighting the lack of comprehensive data on MRSA transmission between humans and companion animals.
  • Further study into the public health impact of this transmission is necessary. This information would provide a more definitive understanding of the risks and would aid in developing strategies to prevent further transmission.

Cite This Article

APA
Loeffler A, Lloyd DH. (2010). Companion animals: a reservoir for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the community? Epidemiol Infect, 138(5), 595-605. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268809991476

Publication

Epidemiology and infection
ISSN: 1469-4409
NlmUniqueID: 8703737
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 138
Issue: 5
Pages: 595-605

Researcher Affiliations

Loeffler, A
  • Royal Veterinary College, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Hatfield, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. aloeffler@rvc.ac.uk
Lloyd, D H

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Animals, Domestic / microbiology
    • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology
    • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology
    • Community-Acquired Infections / transmission
    • Disease Reservoirs
    • Humans
    • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / classification
    • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
    • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
    • Staphylococcal Infections / transmission
    • Staphylococcal Infections / veterinary
    • Zoonoses / epidemiology
    • Zoonoses / microbiology
    • Zoonoses / transmission

    References

    This article includes 108 references

    Citations

    This article has been cited 43 times.
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