Detection and molecular characterization of Livestock-Associated MRSA in raw meat on retail sale in North West England.

Abstract

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is a public health concern worldwide, but has only been reported sporadically in the UK. In the largest UK study to date, samples of raw meat at retail sale were examined for both the presence and levels of MRSA. We report the first isolations of CC398 LA-MRSA from poultry meat in the UK including representatives of a particular sub-clade associated with cases of human infection/colonization in Europe. Although levels were low (<20CFU per g), the contamination rate was higher than previous UK studies. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing revealed multiple independent introductions of LA-MRSA into the UK food chain.