Pets could be source of multiresistant bacteria infections in humans

Link: Pets could be source of multiresistant bacteria infections in humans, MU researchers investigate.

“This study will help us evaluate the various risk factors associated with this problem,” said Middleton, an associate professor of food animal internal medicine. “Are pets a risk factor" This study will help us track where the disease started and determine what questions the physician should be asking if a patient is diagnosed with MRSA.” ### Currently, the Mizzou researchers, aided by J. Scott Weese, an assistant professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, are taking samples from 750 to 800 pairs of owners and pets. To date, they have collected about 500 samples and are sorting them into three groups: human healthcare workers and pets, veterinary healthcare workers and pets, and non-healthcare professionals and pets. The study is being funded by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation and the MU Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.