Whole-Genome Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Ready-to-Eat Food in Russia

Abstract

This study provides a thorough investigation of a diverse set of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Staphylococcus aureus isolates collected from a broad range of ready-to-eat (RTE) food in various geographic regions of Russia ranging from Pskov to Kamchatka. Thirty-five isolates were characterized using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis in terms of clonal structure, the presence of resistance and virulence determinants, as well as plasmid replicon sequences and CRISPR/Cas systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first WGS-based surveillance of Russian RTE food-associated S. aureus isolates. The isolates belonged to fifteen different multilocus sequence typing (MLST)-based types with a predominant being the ones of clonal complex (CC) 22. The isolates studied can pose a threat to public health since about 40% of the isolates carried at least one enterotoxin gene, and 70% of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates carried a tsst1 gene encoding a toxin that may cause severe acute disease. In addition, plasmid analysis revealed some important characteristics, e.g., Rep5 and Rep20 plasmid replicons were a “signature” of MRSA CC22. By analyzing the isolates belonging to the same/single strain based on cgMLST analysis, we were able to identify the differences in their accessory genomes marking their dynamics and plasticity. This data is very important since S. aureus isolates studied and RTE food, in general, represent an important route of transmission and dissemination of multiple pathogenic determinants. We believe that the results obtained will facilitate performing epidemiological surveillance and developing protection measures against this important pathogen in community settings.

Emergence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in neonatal intensive care unit in Southern France, a genomic study

“…Moreover, the insertion sequence IS 257, related to CoNS virulence and biofilm formation [ 53 , 54 ] was identified in all S. haemolyticus genomes, but with ≥3 copies in ST29 genomes. The persistence and expansion of S. haemolyticus in the hospital environment are potentially due to efflux pumps such as bltR , cadD_2 , czcD, involved in multidrug release and heavy metals resistance [ 55 ], as well as the presence of rep5 and rep20 plasmids involved in methicillin resistance phenotype [ 56 ]. The identification of various virulence genes associated with biofilm formation and adhesion suggests the potential of S. haemolyticus ST29 to colonize medical devices and cause persistent infections, highlighting the adaptability and evolutionary success of S. haemolyticus as a nosocomial pathogen.…”

Efficacy and Synergistic Potential of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L. Merr. & Perry) Essential Oils to Control Food-Borne Pathogens in Fresh-Cut Fruits

“…S. aureus can acquire antimicrobial resistance, complicating the problem of food-borne illnesses. Furthermore, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, which do not require heat treatment before consumption, represent a vehicle for the spread of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus and of heat-resistant staphylococcal enterotoxins [45]. The presence of MRSA strains in RTE fresh produce may pose a further threat to public health, and therefore, the use of EOs as natural disinfectants can improve the safety of these foods.…”

Emergence and Genomic Characterization of a spa Type t4407 ST6-SCCmec Type IVa Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain Isolated from Al-Karak Hospital, Jordan

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