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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Emerging multidrug resistance in community-associated Staphylococcus aureus involved in skin and soft tissue
Grace C Lee1,2, Steven D Dallas3, Yufeng Wang4
1College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence of MDR S. aureus strains in the community setting has major implications in disease management. However, data regarding the occurrence and patterns of MDR community-associated S. aureus sub-clones is limited.
Objectives:
To use whole-genome sequences to describe the diversity and distribution of resistance mechanisms among community-associated S. aureus isolates.
Methods:
S. aureus isolates from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and nasal colonization were collected from patients within 10 primary care clinics from 2007 to 2015. The Illumina Miseq platform was used to determine the genome sequences for 144 S. aureus isolates. Phylogenetic and bioinformatics analyses were performed using in silico tools. The resistome was assembled and compared with the phenotypically derived antibiogram.
Results:
Approximately one-third of S. aureus isolates in the South Texas primary care setting were MDR. A higher proportion of SSTI isolates were MDR in comparison with nasal colonization isolates. Individuals with MDR S. aureus SSTIs were more likely to be African American and obese. Furthermore, S. aureus populations are able to acquire and lose antimicrobial resistance genes. USA300 strains were differentiated by a stable chromosomal mutation in gyrA conferring quinolone resistance. The resistomes were highly predictive of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the high prevalence and epidemiological factors associated with MDR S. aureus strains in the community setting and demonstrate the utility of next-generation sequencing to potentially quicken antimicrobial resistance detection and surveillance for targeted interventions.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDR S. aureus) is common in community settings, particularly in skin infections. Whole-genome sequencing aids in understanding resistance patterns for better public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant global pathogen.
- Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus in the community presents challenges in disease management.
- Limited data exists on MDR community-associated S. aureus sub-clones.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe diversity and distribution of resistance mechanisms in community-associated S. aureus using whole-genome sequences.
- Investigate epidemiological factors associated with MDR S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Collected S. aureus isolates from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and nasal colonization.
- Determined genome sequences for 144 isolates using Illumina Miseq.
- Performed phylogenetic and bioinformatics analyses, assembling resistomes and comparing with antibiograms.
Main Results:
- Approximately one-third of S. aureus isolates were MDR in South Texas.
- MDR was more prevalent in SSTI isolates than nasal isolates.
- MDR S. aureus SSTIs were associated with African American individuals and obesity.
- S. aureus demonstrated acquisition and loss of antimicrobial resistance genes.
- Resistomes accurately predicted antimicrobial resistance phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of MDR S. aureus and associated epidemiological factors in the community.
- Next-generation sequencing is valuable for rapid antimicrobial resistance detection and surveillance.
- Findings support targeted interventions for MDR S. aureus.
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