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Frequently Asked Questions About
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus refers to strains of the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that have developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics including penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems.
MRSA is a critically important cause of disease in people. It is the most important cause of hospital-associated (nosocomial) infections and has recently emerged as an important source of infection in the general population.
Overall, the prevalence of MRSA in small animals remains low but is thought to be increasing. As such, MRSA should be considered an important emerging nosocomial and zoonotic disease.
Quick Facts About MRSA
- Though prevalence among animals and people is low, it is likely that MRSA is an occupational risk in small animal practice.
- Animals can infect humans, but it is more common for people to infect animals—and other people.
- MRSA is usually passed from humans to animals by direct contact or respiratory secretions via contaminated hands.
- Hand hygiene is the single most important way to prevent the spread of MRSA.
- MRSA should be considered in any infection, particularly one that does not respond to empirical treatment with beta-lactam antimicrobials or one that looks like the bite of a brown recluse spider.
- Most MRSA infections in small animals can be successfully treated with antibiotics that are regularly used in veterinary medicine. “Big gun” antibiotics are seldom required.
- There is currently no evidence to suggest that colonized staff should not be working in a veterinary clinic. Screening staff for MRSA raises many legal and medical privacy issues.
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