Evidence of latent molecular diversity determining the virulence of community-associated MRSA USA300 clones in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The USA300 clone of community-associated MRSA is reported to be hypervirulent and epidemic in the United States. This clone causes a variety of diseases from lethal pneumonia to mild skin infections. We hypothesized that evolutionary diversity may exist among USA300 clones, which may link virulence traits with host responses and mortality rates.

Methods

USA300 isolates from severe pneumonia (IP) and skin infection (IS) were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and next-generation sequencing. Their virulence traits and host responses were compared in a lung infection model.

Results

The two USA300 isolates were found to be identical in genomic analysis. Robust IL-6 production, aggregation of bacteria, and hemorrhaging were observed in IP

SUBMITTER: Sonoda S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6113770 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature