This study describes the emergence and evolution of CC398 MRSA in New Zealand

Given the strong association between livestock exposure and CC398 MRSA isolation in other settings, knowledge of clinical and genomic factors that may facilitate the emergence and spread of CC398 MRSA is critical. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterise the phylogeographic context, evolution and putative origins of CC398 MRSA in New Zealand in order to understand factors that may mitigate the spread of this clone.