Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jul 2009)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in Swine Farm Personnel, Belgium

  • Olivier Denis,
  • Carl Suetens,
  • Marie Hallin,
  • Boudewijn Catry,
  • Ilse Ramboer,
  • Marc Dispas,
  • Glenda Willems,
  • Bart Gordts,
  • Patrick Butaye,
  • Marc J. Struelens

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1507.080652
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 7
pp. 1098 – 1101

Abstract

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We assessed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in persons on 49 swine farms in Belgium. Surveys showed that 48 (37.8%) persons carried MRSA ST398 and 1 (0.8%) had concurrent skin infection. Risk factors for carriage were MRSA carriage by pigs, regular contact with pigs and companion animals, and use of protective clothing.

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