Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, and pet-associated strains may pose a risk to human health. Equine veterinarians are at high risk of carrying methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), but specific risk factors remain elusive, and few data are available for other personnel involved in the horse industry. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for nasal carriage of MRS in horses and their caregivers were studied in northwestern Italy. Nasal swabs from 110 asymptomatic horses housed at 21 barns and 34 human caregivers were collected. Data on barns, horses, and personnel were acquired through questionnaires. The samples were incubated in selective media, and the bacterial isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. Risk factors were investigated by Poisson regression. MRS were isolated from 33 horses (30%), 11 humans (32.4%) and 3 environmental samples (14.2%). Most isolates were multidrug resistant (MDRS). The prevalence of MRS and MDRS was greater in racehorses and their personnel than in pleasurable and jumping/dressing horses. MRS carriage in caregivers was associated with an increased prevalence of MRS carriage in horses. The frequency of antimicrobial treatments administered in the barn during the last 12 months was a risk factor for MRS carriage in horses [prevalence ratio (PR) 3.97, 95% CI 1.11, 14.13] and caregivers (PR 2.00, 95% CI 1.05, 3.82), whereas a good ventilation index of the horse tabling environment was a protective factor (PR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20, 0.92). Our data reveal relevant interactions occurring between bacterial communities of horses and humans that share the same environment, suggesting that One Health surveillance programs should be implemented.
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Overview
This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors for nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in horses and their human caregivers in northwestern Italy.
It highlights multidrug resistance in these bacteria and identifies key environmental and management factors associated with MRS carriage in both animals and humans sharing the same environment.
Background and Importance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat affecting both humans and animals.
Staphylococci resistant to methicillin (MRS) are significant because they are difficult to treat and can spread between animals and humans.
Equine veterinarians and other personnel working closely with horses may be at higher risk of carrying these resistant bacteria.
Understanding the prevalence of MRS in horses and their caregivers, and identifying risk factors for nasal carriage, is essential to improve infection control and limit transmission.
Study Design and Methods
The study was conducted in northwestern Italy and involved:
110 asymptomatic horses housed at 21 different barns
34 human caregivers working with these horses
Environmental samples from the barns
Data collection involved:
Nasal swabs taken from horses and humans for bacterial culture
Questionnaires gathering information on barn conditions, horse management, and personnel practices
Laboratory analysis:
Samples incubated in selective media to isolate methicillin-resistant staphylococci
Bacterial identification carried out using mass spectrometry
Statistical analysis used Poisson regression to identify significant risk factors for MRS nasal carriage.
Key Findings
Prevalence of MRS carriage:
33 out of 110 horses (30%) were carriers of methicillin-resistant staphylococci
11 out of 34 human caregivers (32.4%) were carriers
3 environmental samples (14.2%) tested positive for MRS
Resistance profile:
Most bacterial isolates were multidrug-resistant staphylococci (MDRS), indicating resistance to multiple antibiotics
Differences by horse type:
Racehorses and their caregivers had higher prevalence of MRS and MDRS compared to pleasurable riding and jumping/dressing horses
Association between humans and horses:
MRS carriage in caregivers was linked to increased risk of MRS carriage in the horses they handled, indicating possible transmission or shared exposure
Significant risk and protective factors identified:
Frequency of antimicrobial treatments in the barn over the prior 12 months increased the prevalence of MRS carriage:
For horses, prevalence ratio (PR) was 3.97 (95% CI: 1.11 to 14.13)
For caregivers, PR was 2.00 (95% CI: 1.05 to 3.82)
Good ventilation in horse housing was protective against MRS carriage:
PR 0.43 (95% CI: 0.20 to 0.92)
Implications and Recommendations
The study highlights important interactions between bacterial communities of horses and their human caregivers sharing the same environment.
This indicates potential zoonotic transmission routes and suggests the need for integrated surveillance approaches targeting both animal and human health sectors.
The findings support implementing “One Health” programs that monitor antimicrobial resistance across humans, animals, and their shared environments.
Emphasis on proper antimicrobial stewardship in horse barns is critical to reduce selective pressure favoring resistant strains.
Improving barn ventilation and environmental management may be effective in lowering the risk of nasal carriage of MRS.
Concluding Summary
Methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant staphylococci were commonly found in horses and caregivers within the studied barns.
Caregivers and horses influence each other’s carriage status, highlighting bidirectional or shared risks.
Antimicrobial use practices and environmental conditions like ventilation are modifiable factors that affect MRS prevalence.
These findings underline the importance of coordinated efforts spanning veterinary and human healthcare to control antimicrobial resistance.
Cite This Article
APA
Bullone M, Bellato A, Robino P, Nebbia P, Morello S, Marchis D, Tarducci A, Ru G.
(2024).
Prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in horses and their caregivers.
Vet Res, 55(1), 108.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-024-01364-0
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy. michela.bullone@unito.it.
Bellato, Alessandro
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
Robino, Patrizia
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
Nebbia, Patrizia
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
Morello, Sara
Feed Hygiene Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy.
Marchis, Daniela
Feed Hygiene Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy.
Tarducci, Alberto
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
Ru, Giuseppe
Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 220, 10154, Torino, Italy.
MeSH Terms
Animals
Horses
Risk Factors
Horse Diseases / microbiology
Horse Diseases / epidemiology
Prevalence
Staphylococcal Infections / veterinary
Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
Carrier State / veterinary
Carrier State / epidemiology
Carrier State / microbiology
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.
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