Genomic analysis of endocarditis causing strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococus aureus is a principal cause of infective endocarditis, the infection of the endocardial surfaces of the heart and heart valves. We have established a unique collection of S. aureus clinical isolates from patients with endocarditis and other infection types. Whole genome sequencing was performed on a subset of 23 strains to investigate the genetic basis of virulence in S. aureus strains associated with endocarditis.