Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from human milk of asymptomatic women or women with acute mastitis. Staphylococcus aureus

Acute mastitis is a common infection during lactation, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known for its ability to form biofilms within mammary ducts and develop antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to genomically characterize S. aureus strains isolated from women with acute mastitis and healthy asymptomatic women to better understand how S. aureus strains transition from harmless components of the human milk microbiota to pathogenic agents responsible for mastitis. The genomic analysis was complemented by phenotypic assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strains' pathogenic potential.