Understanding the rise of the superbug: Investigation of the evolution and genomic variation of Staphylococcus aureus

Jodi A. Lindsay, Matthew T.G. Holden*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of human infection, and it is becoming increasingly virulent and resistant to antibiotics. Our understanding of the evolution of this species has been greatly enhanced by the recent sequencing of the genomes of seven strains of S. aureus. Comparative genomic analysis allows us to identify variation in the chromosomes and understand the mechanisms by which this versatile bacterium has accumulated diversity within its genome structure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)186-201
Number of pages16
JournalFunctional and Integrative Genomics
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2006

Keywords

  • Mobile genetic elements
  • Resistance
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Virulence

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Understanding the rise of the superbug: Investigation of the evolution and genomic variation of Staphylococcus aureus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this