Kenya_Staph_sequencing_. Kenya_Staph_sequencing_

MRSA were first identified in Kenyan hospitals in the 1990s. Reports of MRSA prevalence in Kenya vary, with one study showing 3.7% and another study showing 87%. Many studies in Kenya have focussed on S. aureus isolated from healthcare settings and there is limited information available on community associated- (CA-) and livestock associated (LA-) MRSA. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) reveals a clear distinction between LA-MRSA and human-derived strains in previous studies undertaken in Europe. However, there is clear exchange of lineages of Staphylococcal strains between the reservoirs. In addition, S. aureus can display host adaptation either through loss or gain of genes associated with the mobile genetic elements. The population structure of strains circulating in Kenya in humans and animals is still unknown and therefore, WGS will help elucidate the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance, diversity of virulence factors and strain evolution pathways through reconstruction of phylogenetic tree and may also reveal transmission dynamics of the strains between animals (pigs) and their human contacts. Such data could aid in the development of novel strategies in patient treatment, outbreaks and infection control. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/