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Updated: May 11, 2026

A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues
Published on: February 19, 2019
Population genetics and the evolution of virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Kyra Y L Chua1, Benjamin P Howden2, Jhih-Hang Jiang3
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Austin Centre for Infection Research (ACIR), Infectious Diseases Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Microbiology Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important human pathogens, causing life-threatening infection in the community and hospital setting. The population genetics of S. aureus and the evolution of virulence is the focus of this review. We describe the various techniques in determining S. aureus population structure and discuss the insights gained from whole genome sequencing of various S. aureus strains. The emergence of community-acquired, methicillin-resistant S. aureus provides a framework for the discussion on evolution of virulence, and the role of horizontal gene transfer in the development of virulence and antibiotic resistance is explored. The knowledge generated from population genetics has the potential to inform strategies to assist in the prevention or treatment of this highly successful human pathogen.
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