Assesing the genomic plasticity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in carriers over time using long-read sequencing
This study explores the genomic adaptation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in long-term carriers using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing. Analyzing 85 isolates from 18 patients, it identifies a median mutation rate of 11 SNPs/year and high genetic diversity, with 1,964 core and 2,311 accessory genes. Evidence of recombination, positive selection (median dN/dS = 2.4), and mutations in virulence-related genes (agrC, ebh, sdrC) highlight MRSA's adaptive evolution. Gene gain/loss was most pronounced in ST88 and ST22 strains. Despite sequencing limitations, the study underscores the value of long-read sequencing for tracking MRSA evolution and informing control strategies.
This study explores the genomic adaptation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in long-term carriers using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing. Analyzing 85 isolates from 18 patients, it identifies a median mutation rate of 11 SNPs/year and high genetic diversity, with 1,964 core and 2,311 accessory genes. Evidence of recombination, positive selection (median dN/dS = 2.4), and mutations in virulence-related genes (agrC, ebh, sdrC) highlight MRSA's adaptive evolution. Gene gain/loss was most pronounced in ST88 and ST22 strains. Despite sequencing limitations, the study underscores the value of long-read sequencing for tracking MRSA evolution and informing control strategies.
Department of laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro University, Orebro Sweden