MRSA bij paarden in Nederland

Abstract

A few years ago there weren't a lot of horses in the Netherlands carrying MRSA. Since then it is an emerging disease among horses. In this study we try to get more information about the risk factors to get a MRSA infection or to become a MRSA carrier. In a previous study, horse owners had to fill in a survey with questions about the living conditions of their horse. The information from this survey was used to get statistical numbers that could give information about the risk factors. The risk factors that were tested are: contacts with farm animals, the use of antibiotics, participate in competitions, visit to clinics and the way of accommodation. It was found that the use of antibiotics was a definite risk for an infection with MRSA (χ2 = 26,369; df = 1; p < 0,001, Cramer's V: 0,288 p<0,001). We also tried to get information about the way MRSA stays in the population and for which amount of time