Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pork Production Facilities: Occupational Exposures and Infections

Details

• Personal Author:
  Leedom Larson KR
• Description:
  This research focuses on occupational exposures associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in modern pork production facilities. This dissertation is composed of three related parts. In Chapter II, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production shower facilities" we documented the presence of MRSA in shower facilities of conventional swine production systems where pigs were colonized with MRSA. We tested farms involved in different production phases (sow, nursery, and finisher) and geographical locations. In the two swine production systems studied, 3% and 26% of shower samples were positive for MRSA. Overall, the prevalence in showers was 19%. In Chapter III, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production shower facilities: Adapting interventions from athletic facilities," we searched the literature for interventions designed to decrease MRSA infections in athletes. We then evaluated these interventions for adaptability to the pork production environment and composed swine-specific guidelines for MRSA prevention. We implemented our intervention in a pilot study to reduce MRSA in showers and locker rooms, and results were mixed. We recommend repeating this study with a larger sample, and better intervention management and oversight. In Chapter IV, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in pork production workers," we sought to determine if pork producers report veterinarian-diagnosed antibiotic-resistant skin infections in pigs, and physician-diagnosed antibiotic-resistant skin infections in workers (including MRSA). We then examined potential risk factors for infection associated with biosecurity, including shower and laundry procedures, farm-specific clothing use (clothing worn only while working on the farm), and personal hygiene. No significant risk factors were identified for either skin infections in pigs or skin infections in workers. These studies provide evidence that MRSA can be found in pork production shower facilities, and that occupational exposures occur due to components of the biosecurity protocol. Our pilot intervention suggested that the impact of showers as environmental reservoirs can be reduced. We also reported the first prevalence estimate of MRSA infection in pork production workers in the United States. Livestock-associated MRSA remains an emerging issue and requires further study to determine the true occupational and public health risks. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Mining Occupational Health Safety Staff Development Welding
• Keywords:
  Animal Products Workers Athletes Bacterial Infections Disease Prevention Disease Transmission Livestock Industry Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA Occupational Exposure
• ISBN:
  9781124069548
• Publisher:
  ProQuest LLC.
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Thesis
• Place as Subject:
  Iowa ; OSHA Region 7
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20056772
• Citation:
  Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC., 2010 May; :3409446
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2010
• Performing Organization:
  University of Iowa
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production facilities: occupational exposures and infections
• End Date:
  20290630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:2e49e13688fbb4c5164ff66c4a6b0ed73f140d2a9d4c225c815dbb6d9b09e7c9bb64fed46aa24cc809fb20b63bb7f35a3c10ee2e5585158863161f715cec93cf
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/214306/cdc_214306_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 712.88 KB ]