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Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR RS-PCR
Published on: November 4, 2016
Phylogeographical Analysis Reveals the Historic Origin, Emergence, and Evolutionary Dynamics of Methicillin-Resistant
Mohamed M H Abdelbary1,2, Edward J Feil3, Laurence Senn1
1Service of Hospital Preventive Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common healthcare-associated pathogen that remains a major public health concern. Sequence type 228 (ST228) was first described in Germany and spread to become a successful MRSA clone in several European countries. In 2000, ST228 emerged in Lausanne and has subsequently caused several large outbreaks. Here, we describe the evolutionary history of this clone and identify the genetic changes underlying its expansion in Switzerland.
Materials And Methods:
We aimed to understand the phylogeographic and demographic dynamics of MRSA ST228/ST111 by sequencing 530 representative isolates of this clone that were collected from 14 European countries between 1997 and 2012.
Results:
The phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct lineages of ST228 isolates associated with specific geographic origins. In contrast, isolates of ST111, which is a single locus variant of ST228 sharing the same spa type t041, formed a monophyletic cluster associated with multiple countries. The evidence points to a German origin of the sampled population, with the basal German lineage being characterized by spa type t001. The highly successful Swiss ST228 lineage diverged from this progenitor clone through the loss of the aminoglycoside-streptothricin resistance gene cluster and the gain of mupirocin resistance. This lineage was introduced first in Geneva and was subsequently introduced into Lausanne.
Conclusion:
Our results reveal the radiation of distinct lineages of MRSA ST228 from a German progenitor, as the clone spread into different European countries. In Switzerland, ST228 was introduced first in Geneva and was subsequently introduced into Lausanne.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST228 spread from Germany, evolving distinct lineages. In Switzerland, this successful clone emerged in Geneva before spreading to Lausanne, driven by genetic changes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Sequence type 228 (ST228) is a successful MRSA clone with a history of European spread and outbreaks.
- ST228 emerged in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2000, prompting investigation into its local expansion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history and phylogeographic dynamics of MRSA ST228/ST111.
- To identify genetic modifications associated with the expansion of the ST228 clone in Switzerland.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of 530 MRSA ST228/ST111 isolates collected across 14 European countries (1997-2012).
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine isolate relationships and geographic origins.
- Identification of genetic markers, including resistance genes and spa types.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis identified distinct ST228 lineages linked to specific geographic origins, originating from Germany (spa type t001).
- MRSA ST111, a single locus variant of ST228, formed a separate monophyletic cluster.
- The successful Swiss ST228 lineage evolved from the German progenitor via loss of an aminoglycoside-streptothricin resistance cluster and gain of mupirocin resistance, first appearing in Geneva and then Lausanne.
Conclusions:
- MRSA ST228 diversified into distinct lineages from a German progenitor as it disseminated across Europe.
- In Switzerland, the ST228 clone was initially introduced to Geneva and subsequently spread to Lausanne.
- Genetic adaptations, including specific resistance profiles, facilitated the successful expansion of certain MRSA ST228 lineages.
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