1. Intertwining clonality and resistance: Staphylococcus aureus in the antibiotic era.
- Author
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Chambers, Henry F. and Fowler Jr., Vance G.
- Subjects
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MOBILE genetic elements , *HORIZONTAL gene transfer , *NEONATAL infections , *BACTERIAL genetics , *SOFT tissue infections , *INFECTIVE endocarditis , *ENTEROCOCCAL infections - Abstract
This article explores the relationship between clonality and resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in the context of antibiotic use. S. aureus is a pathogen that can cause various infections and is a leading cause of death from bacterial infection globally. The article discusses the emergence, expansion, and disappearance of genetically identical hypervirulent clones of S. aureus, as well as the development of antibiotic resistance in specific clones. It also delves into the history of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus and the ongoing challenges it presents. The article concludes by mentioning efforts to prevent S. aureus infection by reducing or eliminating colonization. Additionally, it discusses different forms of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus, such as vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA). VISA exhibits low-level resistance by trapping the antibiotic within a thickened cell wall, while VRSA demonstrates full resistance through the acquisition of the vanA gene cluster from enterococci. The article emphasizes the need for new approaches and strategies to combat this highly adaptable pathogen, including the development of vaccines and the potential for neutralizing staphylococcal toxins as a more effective strategy. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
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