In which primary host species is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mainly found?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is predominantly associated with humans, particularly in healthcare settings where it can cause serious infections. The primary reservoirs for MRSA in humans include individuals who have been hospitalized, those with long-term care facilities, and even healthy individuals in the community who can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms.

While MRSA can also be found in animals and is recognized in species such as pigs and cattle, its primary host and the most significant reservoir is humans. The bacteria can be transmitted between humans and animals, but the human population remains the central hub for MRSA infections, emphasizing the importance of surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship in health care and community settings to control the spread.