Researchers are using genome sequencing to predict the severity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, according to a study in Genome Research.
The researchers examined whole genome sequences from 90 MRSA isolates and identified more than 100 locations on bacterial chromosomes for genes associated with infection toxicity.
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Researchers found the highly toxic isolates had similar genetic structure, allowing them to predict which isolates would be the most toxic and cause more severe diseases, according to a news release regarding the study.
Using genome sequencing when analyzing MRSA infections is a step toward personalized medicine and may help clinicians decide the best course of treatment for each patient on a case-by-case basis, according to the news release.
Researchers are still determining how the genetic structure involved in MRSA toxicity affects the disease. Additionally, they plan to extend this genome sequencing methodology to other bacterial pathogens, according to the news release.
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