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Genomic Epidemiology of Clonal Complex 1 Staphylococcus aureus in Remote Western Australian Communities

  • 0School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
International Journal of Microbiology +

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November 28, 2025

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November 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) clonal complex 1 (CC1) has a long history in Western Australia. Whole genome sequencing reveals its deep origins and SCCmec IV acquisition events within Aboriginal communities.

Area Of Science

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) emerged in Western Australia (WA) in the 1990s.
  • ST1-IVa [2B] (WA-1) became the dominant CA-MRSA clone, supplanting the initial ST8-IVa [2B] (WA-5).

Purpose Of The Study

  • Investigate the genomic epidemiology of CC1 S. aureus in WA Aboriginal communities (1995-2003).
  • Assess the acquisition and diversity of the SCCmec element within this lineage.

Main Methods

  • Whole genome sequencing of S. aureus isolates.
  • Phylogenetic analysis.
  • Bayesian coalescence analysis.

Main Results

  • Identified three sequence types: ST1 (81.4%), ST762 (17.8%), and ST761 (0.9%).
  • MRSA (78%) all harbored SCCmec Type IVa [2B].
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests two independent SCCmec IV acquisitions into the CC1 lineage; Bayesian analysis estimates CC1 S. aureus originated in WA over 150 years ago.

Conclusions

  • The CC1 S. aureus lineage has a deep history in Western Australia.
  • Independent acquisitions of SCCmec IV occurred within this lineage.
  • Movement of Aboriginal people likely facilitated the dissemination of CC1 S. aureus and SCCmec IV acquisition.

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