DETERMINANTS FOR PERSISTENT LIVESTOCK-ASSOCIATED MRSA CARRIAGE IN VEAL CALF FARMERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

摘要

A longitudinal study was performed over a period of one week in 51 randomly selected veal calf farms to assess risk factors for persistent LA-MRSA nasal carriage among farmers and household members. On day 0, swabs were taken from nose and throat of participants and on days 4 and 7 swabs were taken only from the nose. A persistent MRSA carrier was defined as a person whose nasal swabs were positive for MRSA presence on all days. A questionnaire was used to identify potential risk factors. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) modelling and Poisson regression. The outcome was positively associated with contact with veal calves, administration of antimicrobials to animals and the presence of potential animal reservoirs. Furthermore, MRSA persistent carriers were characterised by higher MRSA CFU counts, presence of MRSA in throat and absence of MS S A.