Whole-genome epidemiology, characterisation, and phylogenetic reconstruction of Staphylococcus aureus strains in a paediatric hospital

ConclusionsWhole genome sequencing allowed us to study the epidemiology and genomic repertoire ofS. aureus in a clinical setting and provided evidence of its often underestimated complexity. Some virulence factors and clones are specific of disease types, but the variability and dispensability of many antigens considered for vaccine development together with the quickly changing epidemiology ofS. aureus makes it very challenging to develop full-coverage therapies and vaccines. Expanding WGS-based surveillance ofS. aureus to many more hospitals would allow the identification of specific strains representing the main burden of infection and therefore reassessing the efforts for the discovery of new treatments and clinical practices.
Source: Genome Medicine - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research