Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide study using whole-genome sequencing.

ABSTRACT: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surveillance in regions with mass gatherings presents unique challenges for public health systems. Saudi Arabia, hosting millions of pilgrims annually, provides a distinctive setting for studying how human mobility shapes bacterial populations, yet comprehensive genomic surveillance data from this region remain limited. Here, we present an integrated analysis of S. aureus isolates collected across seven Saudi Arabian regions, combining whole-genome sequencing with extensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing and standardized metadata following findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability data principles. Our analysis revealed striking differences between pilgrimage and non-pilgrimage cities. Pilgrimage citie

SUBMITTER: Alarawi MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12610826 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature