Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in personnel attending a veterinary surgery conference.
Authors: Burstiner Lee C, Faires Meredith, Weese J Scott
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# MRSA Colonisation Among Veterinary Professionals: An Occupational Health Concern Nasal swab screening at a 2008 veterinary surgery conference revealed that over one in six attendees (17.3%) were colonised with methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus*, with comparable carriage rates between small and large animal practitioners. Using selective culture and questionnaire data, researchers identified three significant risk factors: recent contact with small ruminants (odds ratio 2.2), cohabitation with someone diagnosed with MRSA in the preceding year (odds ratio 19.8), and working in a clinic with a designated infection control officer (odds ratio 2.2). The substantial colonisation prevalence—and notably consistent rates across all veterinary disciplines—suggests that MRSA exposure represents a genuine occupational hazard rather than a problem confined to equine practice as previously believed. For practitioners and clinic managers, these findings underscore the importance of robust infection control protocols, careful hygiene measures around small ruminant handling, and staff screening where MRSA has been identified, alongside awareness that colonised personnel may serve as vectors for transmission to vulnerable patients and household contacts.
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Practical Takeaways
- •MRSA colonization is an occupational hazard for veterinary professionals regardless of species focus; implement consistent infection control measures in all clinic settings
- •Direct human-to-human transmission (living with colonized person) is a major risk factor—educate staff on personal hygiene and home protocols
- •Small ruminant contact presents previously unreported MRSA risk; consider enhanced biosecurity when working with sheep and goats
Key Findings
- •17.3% of veterinary conference attendees were MRSA positive (17% veterinarians, 18% technicians)
- •Contact with small ruminants in preceding 30 days increased colonization risk (OR 2.2)
- •Living with a person diagnosed with MRSA in preceding year was strongest risk factor (OR 19.8)
- •Equal MRSA colonization rates between small animal and large animal personnel contradicted prior studies suggesting higher rates in equine practitioners