**7. Conclusion**

This paper summarizes a wide range of information and findings from the literature on MRSA in animals and humans in contact with them. Notwithstanding, there is enormous potential for new research aiming to conclusively address certain unknown questions such as, at which point does an infection play the role of a zoonosis or humanosis? This question has yet to be answered because several animal species are involved, with distinct characteristics of transmission and isolated clones, raising appropriate concern for MRSA in animals.

Steadfast vigilance of MRSA in samples of animal origin in laboratory diagnoses is essential for: consistent and thorough monitoring of the evolution and dissemination of these strains; elucidating characteristics that determine a predilection for a determined host; determing transmission routes; identifying resistance and virulence genes received by these new lineages; and distinguishing molecular markers that allow for discriminating between CA-MRSA, HA-MRSA and LA-MRSA.

Appropriate and effective measures of control and prevention must be better determined and applied to each situation and country, according to previously reported guidelines, aiming to minimize risks to humans, since these strains have housed new virulence and resistance genes which can be transferred to human strains. Veterinarians play an important role in public health, in controlling this pathogen through measures appropriately applied in veterinary medicine, namely, the rational use of antimicrobials and appropriate management of infected animals, together with other health professionals, for prevention of MRSA dissemination.
