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Capturing the cloud of diversity reveals complexity and heterogeneity of MRSA carriage, infection and transmission

Author

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  • Gavin K. Paterson

    (University of Cambridge
    Present address: School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, UK)

  • Ewan M. Harrison

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Gemma G. R. Murray

    (University of Cambridge)

  • John J. Welch

    (University of Cambridge)

  • James H. Warland

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Matthew T. G. Holden

    (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
    Present address: School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK)

  • Fiona J. E. Morgan

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Xiaoliang Ba

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Gerrit Koop

    (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University)

  • Simon R. Harris

    (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute)

  • Duncan J. Maskell

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Sharon J. Peacock

    (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
    University of Cambridge)

  • Michael E. Herrtage

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Julian Parkhill

    (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute)

  • Mark A. Holmes

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Genome sequencing is revolutionizing clinical microbiology and our understanding of infectious diseases. Previous studies have largely relied on the sequencing of a single isolate from each individual. However, it is not clear what degree of bacterial diversity exists within, and is transmitted between individuals. Understanding this ‘cloud of diversity’ is key to accurate identification of transmission pathways. Here, we report the deep sequencing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among staff and animal patients involved in a transmission network at a veterinary hospital. We demonstrate considerable within-host diversity and that within-host diversity may rise and fall over time. Isolates from invasive disease contained multiple mutations in the same genes, including inactivation of a global regulator of virulence and changes in phage copy number. This study highlights the need for sequencing of multiple isolates from individuals to gain an accurate picture of transmission networks and to further understand the basis of pathogenesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Gavin K. Paterson & Ewan M. Harrison & Gemma G. R. Murray & John J. Welch & James H. Warland & Matthew T. G. Holden & Fiona J. E. Morgan & Xiaoliang Ba & Gerrit Koop & Simon R. Harris & Duncan J. Mask, 2015. "Capturing the cloud of diversity reveals complexity and heterogeneity of MRSA carriage, infection and transmission," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms7560
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7560
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesc Coll & Beth Blane & Katherine L. Bellis & Marta Matuszewska & Toska Wonfor & Dorota Jamrozy & Michelle S. Toleman & Joan A. Geoghegan & Julian Parkhill & Ruth C. Massey & Sharon J. Peacock & , 2025. "The mutational landscape of Staphylococcus aureus during colonisation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.

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