Role of milk and milk products in the spread of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the dairy production chain

Abstract

Milk and milk products can harbor a multiple varieties of microorganisms. Therefore, they can be an important source of foodborne pathogens, including multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a wide spectrum of infections both in animals and humans. Over the last two decades, the presence of MRSA in foods and food‐producing animals, including milk and milk products, has been frequently reported worldwide, raising public health concerns. In order to monitor and prevent foodborne MRSA contamination, it is necessary to understand their sources, the pheno/genotypic characteristics of the strains, and their transmission dynamics. In this review, studies conducted worldwide were summarized in order to assess the prevalence and diversity of MRSA circulating in milk and milk products. The risk factors for the occurrence of MRSA in milk and milk products were also discussed with preventive and control measures to avoid MRSA contamination in the dairy food chain.

The European Union Summary Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2020/2021

“…Although a previous report has cautiously suggested that some strains of LA‐MRSA may be adapted to colonise and infect humans and reported poultry meat as a possible source of MRSA for humans (Larsen et al, 2016 ), food is not generally considered to be a significant source of MRSA infection or colonisation of humans (EFSA, 2009a ; FSA (Food Standards Agency), 2017 ). Nevertheless, MRSA is still frequently detected in animal food products and are considered to be a public health concern (da Silva et al, 2020 ; Titouche et al, 2022 )…”

“…Although a previous report has cautiously suggested that some strains of LA-MRSA may be adapted to colonise and infect humans and reported poultry meat as a possible source of MRSA for humans , food is not generally considered to be a significant source of MRSA infection or colonisation of humans (EFSA, 2009a;FSA (Food Standards Agency), 2017). Nevertheless, MRSA is still frequently detected in animal food products and are considered to be a public health concern (da Silva et al, 2020;Titouche et al, 2022) Animals: occurrence of MRSA In 2020 and 2021 MRSA were reported in animals in the framework of monitoring programs, surveys and as a result of clinical investigations. While monitoring results and surveys will typically allow for an estimation of the occurrence of MRSA in the investigated animal population, this is not valid for clinical investigations due to the sampling bias associated with the clinical conditions.…”

Listeria species contamination in the milk-processing chain and decontamination proficiency of small-scale milk retailers

“…are normal microbiota on human skin and mucous membranes [26]; however, its contamination possibly resulted in crosscontamination. Many studies have elucidated the contamination of Staphylococcus spp., especially S. aureus, and its severity on human health [27][28] [29]. Pasteurization products were identi ed as the source of S. aureus contamination.…”

Staphylococcus aureus and biofilms: transmission, threats, and promising strategies in animal husbandry

“…The overall prevalence of S. aureus in meat products is 24.5%, with the highest incidence found in beef samples at 33.08% [ 26 ]. S. aureus has also been isolated from milk samples, suggesting that S. aureus can be transmitted through dairy products [ 27 ].…”