Genomic analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain SO-1977 from Sudan

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Investigation of the MRSA's virulence and resistance mechanisms is a continuing concern toward controlling such burdens through using high throughput whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and molecular diagnostic assays. The objective of the present study is to perform whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolated from Sudan using Illumina Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform.

The genome of MRSA strain SO-1977 consists of 2,827,644 bp with 32.8% G + C, 59 RNAs and 2629 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). The genome has 26 systems, one of which is the major class in the disease virulence and defence. A total of 83 genes were annotated to virulence disease and defence category some of these genes coding as functional proteins. Based on genome analysis, it is speculated that the SO-1977 strain has resistant genes to Teicoplanin, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolone, Cephamycins, Tetracycline, Acriflavin and Carbapenems. The results revealed that the SO-1977, strain isolated from Sudan has a wide range of antibiotic resistance compared to related strains.

The study reports for the first time the whole genome sequence of Sudan MRSA isolates. The release of the genome sequence of the strain SO-1977 will avail MRSA in public databases for further investigations on the evolution of resistant mechanism and dissemination of the -resistant genes of MRSA.