The contribution of whole-genome sequencing to our understanding of the epidemiology and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2019Source: Journal of Hospital InfectionAuthor(s): Hilary Humphreys, David C. ColemanAbstractIn recent years, approaches to tracking the spread of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as part of outbreak management have used conventional DNA-based methods including pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and spa typing. However, when a predominant clone is present, these methods may be insufficiently discriminatory. We conducted a literature search to highlight how whole genome sequencing (WGS) has revolutionised the investigation of outbreaks of MRSA, including intra-hospital spread and MRSA in the community, and to review its future potential. Whole genome sequencing provides enhanced isolate discrimination, as it permits the entire genomic DNA sequence of isolates to be rapidly determined and compared. Many software packages used for the analysis of WGS data are becoming increasingly available. To date WGS has been more sensitive in confirming outbreaks, often persisting for prolonged periods, previously undetected by conventional molecular typing. The evolving dynamic of spread from the community to hospitals, within and between hospitals, and from hospitals to the community, is only becoming clear with WGS studies, and is more complex and convoluted than widely appreciated. Also, WGS can exclude cross-transmission, when isolates are different. The challenges now are to make WGS technology more amenable for routi...
Source: Journal of Hospital Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research