Using genomics to understand meticillin- and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections
Stefano Giulieri, Steven Y. C. Tong, Deborah A. Williamson
Abstract
Resistance to meticillin and vancomycin in Staphylococcus aureus significantly complicates the management of severe infections like bacteraemia, endocarditis or osteomyelitis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and genomic epidemiology of resistance to these agents, with a focus on how genomics has provided insights into the emergence and evolution of major meticillin-resistant S. aureus clones. We also provide insights on the use of bacterial whole-genome sequencing to inform management of S. aureus infections and for control of transmission at the hospital and in the community.
Topics & Concepts
Staphylococcus aureusGenomicsVancomycinMicrobiologyStaphylococcal infectionsMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusAntibiotic resistanceBiologyMedicineGenomeAntibioticsBacteriaGeneGeneticsAntimicrobial Resistance in StaphylococcusInfective Endocarditis Diagnosis and ManagementBacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing