Multidrug resistant bacteria, such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are an increasing public health concern and there is a growing body of evidence about how animals may, or may not, be contributing to the spread of these organisms. A few weeks ago I came across a journal article, published in January of this year, which reported on a survey of companion animal wound cultures showing an alarming number of positive cases of MRSA infection (Vincze et al, 2014a). A similar study by some of the same authors, and published only a few weeks ago, looked at risk factors related to MRSA infection in companion animals and it mentions how nosocomial infections are a distinct route of infection (Vincze et al, 2014b). Other past studies report how veterinary staff have a higher incidence of being MRSA carriers than the general population (Jordan et al, 2011).
While these studies may seem frightening, they are just one small part of what we know about bacterial resistance but what is important here is that this research highlights the importance of veterinary staff in preventing cross contamination between animals and humans, specifically around these bacteria for which there is a significant zoonotic risk.
In the last few years there has been a lot of news about antibiotic resistance and the need for responsible use of antibiotics. Various meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus species can infect animals and humans and are posing a public health risk due to the limited number of antibiotics available that are effective against these organisms. Most of us in veterinary nursing are aware of at least some of the risks of antibiotic overuse yet how many of us are guilty of complacency when it comes to reducing cross contamination between patients and between animals and humans? When a patient comes in with a wound, do we take all steps to ensure that the wound is not contaminated by the hospital environment? Do we take all steps to ensure that we, ourselves, are not contaminated by the wound? The simplest of slip up can mean transmitting bacteria from the wound to a doorknob where it is then carried by multiple people to any number of outside environments where the public could gain exposure. Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus infection can be impossible to see and difficult to definitively culture, yet these organisms are a zoonotic concern.
Never has there been a more pertinent time to emphasise how veterinary nurses are critical for helping to mitigate public health risks. We are on the front line in this battle against bacterial resistance and our actions directly influence the health and wellbeing of patients, and the public. For this reason it is essential that we always be on the lookout for ways to diminish risks to our patients, and clients, for some of whom these infections could be deadly.
It is our responsibility as professionals to not only keep our patients safe, but also to do everything in our power to maintain public safety around transmission between animals and humans in the veterinary hospital environment. We must once again focus on the importance of antibiotic use protocols, aseptic technique, cleaning and disinfection protocols, biohazard waste control, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and the education of clients and lay staff. We must keep abreast of the latest research and hold fast to the belief that if we save one patient, or client, in our career that it will be worth it. We hope you enjoy this issue.