Emerging Infectious Diseases (Dec 2015)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Prevalence among Captive Chimpanzees, Texas, USA, 2012

  • Patrick W. Hanley,
  • Kirstin F. Barnhart,
  • Christian R. Abee,
  • Susan P. Lambeth,
  • J. Scott Weese

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2112.142004
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 12
pp. 2158 – 2160

Abstract

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in humans and animals is concerning. In 2012, our evaluation of a captive chimpanzee colony in Texas revealed MRSA prevalence of 69%. Animal care staff should be aware of possible zoonotic MRSA transmission resulting from high prevalence among captive chimpanzees.

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