유럽식품안전청(The European Food Safety Authority)에서 돼지의 MRSA(메티실린내성포도상구균) 조사를 최초로 시행했다는 소식입니다. 유럽연합 회원국 24개국에서 수행된 조사에 사육돼지들은 따르면 17개의 MRSA type을 보유하고 있었고, 7개의 MRSA type은 가지고 있지 않은 것으로 나타났다고 합니다. 평균적으로 사육돼지의 1/4에서 서로 다른 type의 MRSA가 발견되었다고 하는데, 회원 국가들 간의 통계수치는 많은 차이가 있었다고 합니다. 가장 흔하게 발견되는 type은 MRSA ST398이었습니다.
MRSA(메티실린내성포도상구균)은 인간의 공중보건 상 커다란 위협이 되고 있으며, 병원 내 감염의 가장 중요한 원인 중의 하나이며, 많은 다양한 MRSA type이 보고되고 있습니다.
돼지농장 내에서 확인된 MRSA(메티실린내성포도상구균)는 농장주, 농장노동자, 수의사, 그리고 그 가족들에게 건강 상 위해를 끼칠 수 있으며, 축산식품을 통해 소비자들에게도 건강 상 위해를 끼칠 수 있습니다.
조사를 수행한 패널들은 현재까지 MRSA ST398가 항생제 내성세균에 오염된 동물로부터 인간에게 전염된다는 과학적 증거는 없다고 밝혔습니다.
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EFSA publishes results of the first survey on MRSA in pigs in the EU
출처 : 24 November 2009
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211903070258.htm
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the first EU-wide survey on MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in breeding pigs. The results indicate that MRSA, a bacterium resistant to many antibiotics, is commonly detected in holdings with breeding pigs in some EU Member States. The survey provides estimates of its occurrence and makes recommendations for further monitoring and investigation of the causes and implications of MRSA findings in pig holdings in the EU.
The survey was carried out in 24 Member States[1], 17 of which found some type of MRSA in their holdings with breeding pigs and 7 none at all. On average, different types of MRSA were found in 1 out of 4 holdings with breeding pigs across the EU, but the survey also says that figures vary greatly between Member States. MRSA ST398 was the most reported type of MRSA among the holdings with breeding pigs in the EU; some Member States also reported other types, but their prevalence was much lower[2].
MRSA is a major concern for public health and its various types are recognised as an important cause of hospital-acquired (or nosocomial) infections in humans. The specific type MRSA ST398 has been identified in some domestic animals and is considered an occupational health risk for farmers, veterinarians and their families, who may become exposed to it through direct or indirect contact with these animals. In an opinion published earlier this year, EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel assessed the public health significance of MRSA in animals and food[3] and concluded that the MRSA ST398[4] strain is less likely to contribute to the spread of MRSA in hospitals than other types carried by humans. The Panel also said that there is currently no evidence that MRSA ST398 can be transmitted to humans by eating or handling contaminated food.
In the survey published today, EFSA recommends monitoring of pigs and other food producing animals for MRSA. It also says further research should be carried out, so that the reasons for differences in the prevalence of MRSA in the various Member States can be identified and used to propose options on possible control measures.
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Note to editors:
The Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can be persistently or intermittently carried by healthy humans and is a very common cause of minor skin infections that usually do not require treatment. In patients in hospitals, Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. Its variant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged in the 1970s and is now often found in hospitals in many European Member States. MRSA is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. In recent years, clones of MRSA have evolved outside the hospitals, causing infections among people who have no connection with hospitals. Most recently MRSA has also been detected in several farm animal species.
EFSA’s Zoonoses Unit monitors and analyses the situation on zoonoses, zoonotic agents, antimicrobial resistance, microbiological contaminants and food-borne outbreaks across Europe. The Unit is supported by a Task Force on Zoonoses Data Collection consisting of a pan-European network of national representatives of Member States, other reporting countries, as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) and World organisation for animal health (OIE). They gather each year data in their respective countries.
EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel provides scientific advice on biological hazards in relation to food safety and food-borne diseases. This covers food-borne zoonoses (animal diseases transmissible to humans), Transmissible spongiform Encephalopathies (BSE/TSEs), food microbiology, food hygiene and associated waste management issues. The Panel’s risk assessment work helps to provide a sound foundation for European policies and legislation and supports risk managers in taking effective and timely decisions.
EFSA’s previous work on MRSA:
- EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel “Assessment of the Public Health significance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animals and foods”
- Joint scientific report of ECDC, EFSA and EMEA on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock, companion animals and food
- Joint Opinion of ECDC, EFSA, EMEA and SCENIHR on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) focused on zoonotic infections
[1] The sampling took place during 2008. Dust samples were taken in the environment of pigs in a total of 5,073 holdings from 24 EU Member States and two non-Member States. The pooled sample of each holding was tested for the presence of the various MRSA strains.
[2] Only six Member States and one non-Member State reported MRSA non-ST398 in the holdings with breeding pigs. The prevalence of MRSA non-ST398 in holdings with breeding pigs across the participating Member States was substantially lower than the prevalence of MRSA and MRSA ST398.
[3] EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel opinion on the “Assessment of the Public Health significance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animals and foods” of March 2009
[4] In its opinion the BIOHAZ Panel refers to CC398 which corresponds to MRSA ST398.
