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MRSA
Frequently asked questions
Can I get MRSA from food?
Based on the available data, it is unlikely that MRSA on raw meat presents a significant risk for consumers and people who work in meat processing. However, there is too little data at present to draw well-founded conclusions. The office for Risk Assessment of the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) has therefore advised the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality to commission extra research into the risks of MRSA bacteria on raw meat. It is important, for example, to know where the bacteria come from, how they come to be on the meat, and the circumstances in which the bacteria might be transferred to humans. The VWA also recommends specific research into the prevention of MRSA in the Dutch population.
Why is MRSA sometimes referred to as a “hospital bacterium”?
The term 'hospital bacterium' is used to describe bacteria that are resistant to a large number of anti-bacterial agents (antibiotics). These bacteria can now only be controlled by a limited number of agents. Hospital patients often have a greatly reduced resistance. It is these patients who are prone to infections in general, and thus also to infection by 'hospital bacteria' such as MRSA. An MRSA infection in these patients can slow the healing process. Hospitals try as far as possible to prevent the spread of the bacteria within the hospital, and have developed special methods for treating patients infected with such bacteria. Other bacteria can also be referred to 'hospital bacteria'. In January 2008 the MST, a major hospital in Enschede, called on the Ministry of Defence to set up an emergency intensive care unit to deal with infection by the Acinetobacter baumanni bacteria.
Is the MRSA problem confined to the Netherlands?
MRSA is relatively uncommon in the Netherlands and in a number of Scandinavian countries. These countries set great store by preventive measures. Hospitals keep the bacteria at bay as far as possible. It is also important to minimise the spread of the bacteria from livestock farming. In many other developed countries MRSA is far more prevalent in the population.
See also: www.rivm.nl
Is MRSA also found on imported meat?
In the VWA’s research MRSA was found on meat from both the Netherlands, and from other EU and non-EU countries. There is little data available on the occurrence of MRSA in meat or other foodstuffs of animal origin in other countries. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is overseeing European research into the risks.
Is MRSA common in animals?
In the past MRSA has been identified in pigs and veal calves, and sporadically also in other domestic animals, particularly horses.
How does MRSA get into livestock farms?
At the moment little is known about the introduction and spread of MRSA in livestock farming. It is assumed that the use of antibiotics in livestock farming may be one of the causes.
Can MRSA be transmitted from livestock to humans?
Research by the Infectious Diseases Control Centre (RIVM/CIb) shows that pig and veal farmers, and veterinarians who come into contact with pigs and calves are more likely than other people to be carriers of MRSA. People working in abattoirs are also at risk. It has been shown that MRSA can be transmitted to humans through intensive contact with pigs and veal calves. The occurrence of MRSA in other species, and the extent of transmission to humans require further investigation.
MRSA also occurs in game, which is not treated with antibiotics. How strong is the correlation with the use of antibiotics in livestock farming?
The VWA has also occasionally found MRSA on game meat. It is not clear how much of the game in question was caught in the wild and how much was farmed. In the latter case antibiotics may have been used. At the moment the source of this MRSA is not clear. The bacteria could, for example, have been transferred to the meat during processing. Further research is required into the spread of MRSA in the food chain.
Can animals on children's farms also be infected, and so present a risk to visitors?
The VWA is currently investigating this risk.
Can MRSA be transmitted from human to human?
The risks of transmission between humans is dealt with in more detail on the .
What can I do to prevent infection?
MRSA bacteria are only transmitted from farm livestock to humans by direct contact. Any risk can be considerably reduced by adequate hygiene measures (such as washing your hands after contact with animals). When visiting the doctor or hospital, you should always tell them if your job involves contact with animals.
