Prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasing in Danish farming.

Since 2001 livestock-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) has increased in Denmark. Transmission to people happens by contact with livestock and mainly pigs. The prevalence in animals is not known but the bacterial reservoir is huge. The incidence of human isolates is increasing. However, LA-MRSA seems to be less virulent than non-LA-MRSA. Well-designed studies focusing on LA-MRSA infection, carrier status and risk factors in populations at risk are needed in order to provide solid data of the health consequences due to this rural, mainly occupational exposure