Molecular Characterization of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Isolates Transmitted between Patients with Buruli Ulcer

<div><p>Background</p><p>Buruli ulcer (BU) is a skin infection caused by <i>Mycobacterium ulcerans</i>. The wounds of most BU patients are colonized with different microorganisms, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>.</p><p>Methodology</p><p>This study investigated possible patient-to-patient transmission events of <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i> during wound care in a health care center. <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i> isolates from different BU patients with overlapping visits to the clinic were whole-genome sequenced and analyzed by a gene-by-gene approach using SeqSphere⁺ software. In addition, sequence data were screened for the presence of genes that conferred antibiotic resistance.</p><p>Principal Findings</p><p>SeqSphere⁺ analysis of whole-genome sequence data confirmed transmission of methicillin resistant <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i> (MRSA) and methicillin susceptible <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i> among patients that took place during wound care. Interestingly, our sequence data show that the investigated MRSA isolates carry a novel allele of the <i>fexB</i> gene conferring chloramphenicol resistance, which had thus far not been observed in <i>S</i>. <i>aureus</i>.</p>