Farm-originated Antimicrobial Resistance Modeling: Exploring Humans-to-Animal Dissemination

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue. Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the indicators that is monitored particularly closely. In animals, pig farms, among others, have been identified as reservoirs of MRSA, with a risk of transmission to humans, particularly to individuals in direct contact with livestock. In France, the prevalence of MRSA in pig farms has increased markedly in recent years. While cross-species transmission between pigs and humans in professional settings is well-documented, the temporal dynamics, the actual incidence of acquisition, and the associated determinants remain insufficiently characterized in France. Adopting a "One Health" approach, this project aims to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms by which MRSA spreads between animal and human subpopulations and to incorporate these insights into a mathematical modeling framework.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older, * Work full-time as a pig farmer on the participating farm, * Have regular contact with the animals, defined as at least 4 days per week, * Be willing to participate in the study and sign an informed consent form, * Agree to perform monthly self-administered nasal swab sampling and to provide data via a questionnaire. Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent, * Inability to perform monthly self-administered nasal swabs in accordance with the protocol, * Employment on a part-time basis, or status as an intern or apprentice within the operation, * No inclusion of persons targeted by Articles L. 1121-5 to L. 1121-8 and L. 1122-1-2 of the Public Health Code (e.g., minors, legally protected adults, etc.)