Human methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization: a major public health concern?

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens as a global health challenge1. For the past decades, with the global escalation in the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms2 both social and scientific concerns have emerged regarding the intensive prescription of antibiotics and their widespread use in agriculture and livestock3. These antibiotic-resistant microorganisms can be found as components of bioaerosols which may occur as solid or liquid particles in the air. In numerous workplaces, particularly in the context of animal production and health care, continued exposure to bioaerosols can represent a significant health hazard for workers and for the spread of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the community4. Several studies, performed in the past years, have provided scientific data on occupational exposure to bioaerosols in order to better understand potential relationships between exposure and health effects5.

Keywords

• Saúde pública
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• MRSA