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PETS COULD BE SOURCE OF MULTI-RESISTANT
BACTERIA
INFECTIONS IN HUMANS -- MRSA, which can be
fatal in
humans, is the focus of a new research project
on whether
the family pet could be a reservoir for
infections.
For more information on MRSA research, much of
it done by the VA, use the VA
Watchdog search engine...click here...
http://www.yourvabenefits.org/ses
search.php?q=mrsa&op=and
Story here...
http://www.eurekalert.
org/pub_releases/2007-07/
uom-pcb073107.php
Story below:
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Pets could be source of multiresistant bacteria
infections in humans, MU researchers investigate
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The next time you have
difficulty fighting a bacterial infection, your next trip to the doctor
might be to the family veterinarian. A new University of
Missouri-Columbia study is investigating whether the family pet could be
a reservoir for infections of multi-resistant bacteria in humans.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing problem in the medical
profession as doctors are prescribing second and third choice medicines
when common antibiotics don't work. In many cases, these other medicines
might be less effective or cause more side effects. One particular type
of bacterium, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which
can be fatal in humans, is the focus of a new research project led by MU
veterinarians Stephanie Kottler, Leah Cohn and John Middleton.
"We used to think of these antibiotic-resistant infections as a
healthcare issue that appeared in post-operative or long-term patients,"
said Kottler, a resident at the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
"However, we have been seeing more of these infections that have been
acquired throughout the general population, or 'community acquired'
infections. It's important to know what environmental factors might be
encouraging or prolonging these infections."
MRSA bacteria can live in the noses or on the skin of humans and animals
where it might not produce any symptoms. The bacteria become dangerous
when they enter the tissue through a cut or puncture, producing a
serious infection. In some cases, the bacteria can cause
life-threatening problems, such as bloodstream infections or pneumonia.
While the infections are most often found in patients after
hospitalization, there is an increasing occurrence of community-acquired
infections among prison populations, sports teams, military personnel
and the general public. Kottler believes that pets might be an important
factor behind the increase in community-acquired infections.
MRSA rates have increased dramatically since the 1970s. In 1974, MRSA
infections accounted for two percent of the total number of
staphylococcal infections; in 1995 it was 22 percent, and in 2004, it
was 63 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"This study will help us evaluate the various risk factors associated
with this problem," said Middleton, an associate professor of food
animal internal medicine. "Are pets a risk factor? This study will help
us track where the disease started and determine what questions the
physician should be asking if a patient is diagnosed with MRSA."
###
Currently, the Mizzou researchers, aided by J. Scott Weese, an assistant
professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College in
Canada, are taking samples from 750 to 800 pairs of owners and pets. To
date, they have collected about 500 samples and are sorting them into
three groups: human healthcare workers and pets, veterinary healthcare
workers and pets, and non-healthcare professionals and pets.
The study is being funded by the American College of Veterinary Internal
Medicine Foundation and the MU Department of Veterinary Medicine and
Surgery.
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Larry Scott --
