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Genomic characterization of a paediatric MRSA outbreak by next-generation sequencing
E Ugolotti1, E Di Marco1, R Bandettini1
1Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|August 19, 2017
Summary
Whole-genome sequencing confirmed a meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in a paediatric intensive care unit. Prompt infection control measures successfully terminated the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A suspected outbreak of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurred in a paediatric intensive care unit.
- Twelve MRSA strains were isolated for comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine the clonality of the isolated MRSA strains.
- To identify genetic factors contributing to antibiotic resistance and virulence.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was employed to analyze the twelve MRSA isolates.
- Comparative genomic analysis focused on 1126 genes for clonality and 63 virulence-associated genes.
Main Results:
- Ten strains were identified as multi-locus sequence type ST2625, and two as ST8.
- The ST2625 strains exhibited high clonality (>98.3% allelic identity), with one isolate originating from a healthcare worker.
- All ST2625 strains possessed the SCC-Mec cassette IVa, and their resistome correlated with observed antibiotic resistance phenotypes. Virulence gene analysis aligned with clonality patterns.
Conclusions:
- The genomic analysis confirmed an MRSA outbreak within the paediatric intensive care unit.
- Implementation of stringent infection control protocols led to the rapid containment and resolution of the outbreak.
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