Treatment of livestock-associated MRSA

Normally it is possible to undergo treatment to remove the staphylococci. For persons who have weekly contact with pigs, it makes no sense to attempt treating MRSA carriage, as they are continually being exposed to the bacterium.

Under special circumstances, treatment will be offered. Please contact your general practitioner regarding test for MRSA, if you:

• have infected wounds
• are scheduled for surgery
• are pregnant
• have stopped working with pigs.

The Danish Health Authority recommends that household members who do not enter the pig or mink sheds on a weekly basis but who are carriers of LA-MRSA to undergo treatment to remove the bacterium because the risk of reinfection is very small. If anyone in your household is working as a healthcare professional he/she is obliged to be tested for MRSA. As a healthcare professional you are also obliged to be tested every six month if one in your household is positive for MRSA until this person is declared MRSA-free. Household members can be examined for MRSA at their general practitioner. The examination consists of swabs from the nose, throat and between the buttocks.

Staphylococci and MRSA are bacteria that are found in humans, in animals and in our surroundings.

A healthy person is at low risk of becoming seriously ill from MRSA, but sometimes the bacteria can cause annoying inflammation, such as abscesses and wounds. In people whose health has already deuterated, MRSA can cause serious infections with extensive and complex courses.

As is the case with other Staphylococci, MRSA is spread by contact with humans or animals that are carrying the bacteria. MRSA can also be spread through contact with surfaces, such as door handles, clothing, towels, mobile phones, keyboards, etc., that a person with MRSA has been in contact with.

If you have questions, you are welcome to contact us.