phylogenetic analysis

Objective. To provide a genetic characterization based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of S. aureus isolates identified in one intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods. WGS on Illumina MiSeq was performed, generating twenty S. aureus sequences isolated from patients and environmental surfaces. Bioinformatic analysis included typing, identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, virulence factors, plasmid replicons, and phylogenetic analysis. Results. Significant genetic diversity was revealed, comprising four clonal complexes (CCs): CC15 – 6⁄20 (30%), CC8 – 3⁄20 (15%), CC22 – 2⁄20 (10%), and CC97 – 2⁄20 (10%); while 7⁄20 (35%) of isolates had an indeterminate CC.