Prevalence of carriage and characterisation of
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in
slaughter pigs and personnel exposed to pork
carcasses
MV Boost, M O’Donoghue, L Guardabassi
Department of Health Technology & Informatics, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University
Key Messages
1. There is a high level of contamination of pig
carcasses in Hong Kong with multi-drug resistant
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) ST9.
2. Personnel occupationally exposed to pigs and pig carcasses are at risk of colonisation and possible infection.
3. Whilst the clinical significance of porcine MRSA ST9 is unclear, there is a need for continued surveillance of this potential reservoir of MRSA.
4. Butchers should be encouraged to wear gloves whilst working and maintain good personal hygiene to reduce colonisation risk.
2. Personnel occupationally exposed to pigs and pig carcasses are at risk of colonisation and possible infection.
3. Whilst the clinical significance of porcine MRSA ST9 is unclear, there is a need for continued surveillance of this potential reservoir of MRSA.
4. Butchers should be encouraged to wear gloves whilst working and maintain good personal hygiene to reduce colonisation risk.