The study, published in the journal _Emerging Infectious Diseases_, found that nearly half (48%) of the 207 chimps tested were carrying drug-resistant staph, including strains of bacteria resistant to methicillin (MRSA) and vancomycin (VRSA).
The chimps in the study live at the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida, which houses over 300 chimpanzees, most of whom were rescued from research laboratories or the entertainment industry.
While it's not clear how the chimps became infected with drug-resistant staph, the study suggests that it may have been acquired from humans or from contact with other animals.
The presence of drug-resistant staph in chimps is a potential health concern because these bacteria can cause a range of infections, from minor skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening illnesses like sepsis.
In addition, the study found that some of the drug-resistant staph found in the chimps were also resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat MRSA and VRSA in humans.
The researchers say that the findings highlight the need for greater surveillance and infection control measures to prevent the spread of drug-resistant staph among chimps and humans.
"This study provides the first evidence of widespread colonization of captive chimpanzees with drug-resistant staph," said lead author Dr. Samantha Wisely, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Florida. "The presence of these bacteria poses a potential health risk to both the chimpanzees and the humans who interact with them."
The researchers recommend that regular screening and treatment for drug-resistant staph be implemented at the sanctuary and that staff and visitors be educated about measures to prevent the spread of infection.
"Chimpanzees are susceptible to many of the same infections as humans," said co-author Dr. Jessica Brinkworth, a professor of microbiology at the University of Florida. "The high rates of drug-resistant staph in this population are a reminder of the potential risks associated with the transmission of diseases between humans and animals."
