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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
08:03
Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
Published on: December 7, 2021
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Accessory Genome Dynamics of Local and Global Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Populations.
Spencer A Bruce1, Joshua T Smith2,3, Jennifer L Mydosh2
1Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|February 28, 2022
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) poses a threat to dogs. This study reveals MRSP
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Genomics
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common bacteria in dogs, causing infections and carrying resistance genes.
- Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an emerging pathogen, posing a significant challenge to canine health.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and spread of MRSP is crucial for effective treatment and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of S. pseudintermedius in the New England region and compare them globally.
- To identify the prevalence of methicillin resistance and associated resistance genes in S. pseudintermedius isolates.
- To analyze the co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes within S. pseudintermedius populations.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 45 new S. pseudintermedius isolates, combined with 125 published genomes from New England.
- Core genome phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships and identify multi-locus sequence types (STs).
- In silico analysis for the detection of the mecA gene and other antibiotic resistance genes, including SCCmec types.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse lineages with 142 multi-locus sequence types (STs).
- 40 MRSP and 130 methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) isolates were identified; MRSP strains harbored five SCCmec types.
- A significant accessory gene cluster containing mecA and eight other resistance genes was identified; MRSP isolates had more accessory genes than MSSP.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the evolution and geographic distribution of S. pseudintermedius clones, including MRSP.
- The absence of the globally prevalent ST71 clone in New England suggests unique evolutionary dynamics in the region.
- The co-circulation of multiple resistance genes highlights the complex challenge of antimicrobial resistance in canine pathogens.
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