New strain of MRSA found in cows and humans

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have isolated a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that exists in both human and bovine populations.

The strain has been identified in cow's milk and has a substantially different genetic structure from other forms of the bacteria, meaning that current gold standard MRSA testing methods produce a false negative when analysing it.

This discovery has been independently verified by Irish researchers led by a University of Dublin team, which surmised that the new strain has its origin among animals.

According to University of Cambridge study leader Dr Mark Holmes, this finding should prompt an upgrade in MRSA testing systems that function by detecting the gene responsible for methicillin resistance, as this gene is altered in the new strain.

Further research will now take place to establish the prevalence of this new form of MRSA among both cows and humans, with attention paid to the risk it poses to farm workers.

Dr Holmes added: "If we are ever going to address the problem with MRSA, we need to determine its origins."