Different MRSA ST 398 types in pigs, in human and in hospital

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium, which occurs frequently on the skin or Mucous membranes of humans and animals. The resistant form of the pathogen gets known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Often, farm animals are called reservoir for MRSA (MRSA-associated livestock, LA-MRSA). Members of the Safeguard MRSA vet-net project examine the prevalence of MRSA in animals and humans for more than two years, now. It has been found that there are different types of MRSA, which can be distinguished based on genetic "finger-print" and which differ in addition by various virulence factors. Major risk factor to transfer LA-MRSA to people appears to be the direct contact with colonized animals. The occurrence of MRSA in farm animals is high, but there is a clear difference between a colonization and infection with MRSA.