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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
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Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Mupirocin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

Ariana M Virgillio, Emily A Felton, Jessica K Jackson

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |June 12, 2025
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Mupirocin resistance is common in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates in Florida. This resistance is linked to specific genetic mutations and the emergence of ST3390 MRSA strains.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Genomics

    Background:

    • Staphylococcus aureus colonization increases infection risk.
    • Mupirocin topical antibiotic decolonization is effective but can select for resistance.
    • Understanding mupirocin resistance is crucial for infection control.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize oxacillin and mupirocin susceptibility in S. aureus clinical isolates.
    • To correlate genotypic profiles with antibiotic resistance patterns.
    • To investigate trends in mupirocin resistance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Main Methods:

    • Analyzed 384 S. aureus strains from clinical samples (2017-2023, Tampa, Florida).
    • Performed whole genome sequencing to correlate with drug susceptibility.
    • Assessed susceptibility to oxacillin and mupirocin.

    Main Results:

    • Mupirocin resistance (MupR) was prevalent, primarily in MRSA strains (34.4%).
    • MupR prevalence remained stable pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Low-level MupR linked to ileS mutations; high-level MupR linked to mupA carriage.
    • ST3390 MRSA strains showed the highest MupR prevalence (83%).

    Conclusions:

    • Mupirocin resistance is a significant issue in hospital MRSA isolates.
    • Evidence suggests the emergence and persistence of ST3390 MRSA strains with mupirocin resistance in Florida.
    • Genomic analysis identified key genetic determinants of mupirocin resistance.

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