| Project IP4 | Project IP6 | Project IP8 | Project IP9 |
Workpackage 1: Project IP4
Title of the project: Change over time: transmission, phylogenetic analysis and molecular epidemiology of animal-associated S. aureus/MRSA isolates
Research main focus: Molecular epidemiology, population genetics
Contact IP4
Dr. med. Robin Köck
Institute of Hygiene
University Hospital Münster
Robert-Koch-Str. 41
D–48149 Münster
Telefon +49 251-83-55348
Telefax +49 251-83-55688
E-Mail: robin.koeck[aet]ukmuenster.de
Other Contactpersons:
Karin M. Brandt (Doktorandin)Institut für Hygiene,
Universitätsklinikum Münster,
Tel. 0251-83-53251
Description
Since it was found that MRSA might spread from animals to humans, animal reservoirs of MRSA might have potential impact on human health. In this project we will address the following topics related to this issue:
- To what extent are MRSA from animal reservoirs imported into human healthcare facilities and are they transmitted within this setting?
- After having been introduced into hospitals, what is the risk for a spread of MRSA from animal reservoirs by the interinstitutional transfer of patients which is considered important for the epidemic dissemination of classical healthcare–associated MRSA?
- As it was shown that humans exposed to livestock frequently acquire MRSA, a question linked to this issue is whether dust from pig holdings contains respirable residua of antibiotics which could cause increased exposure to antibiotics in persons working on farms and could ease the colonization of MRSA on the nasal mucosa of humans exposed. We will determine the type(s) and quantities of antibiotics in dust samples from pig holdings.
- Since inter-species-adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus with animal origin is still unclear, phylogenetic analysis of iteratively collected Staphylococcus aureus isolates detected in humans will be performed.
Overall, answering these questions will provide new insides into the dynamics of spread of MRSA from animal reservoirs among humans which can be used for identifying targets for preventive interventions.