Investigation of a Cluster of Sequence Type 22 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in a Community Setting.

Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has typically been used to confirm or refute hospital/ward outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) identified through routine practice. However, appropriately targeted WGS strategies that identify routinely "undetectable" transmission remain the ultimate aim.

Methods: WGS of MRSA isolates sent to a regional microbiological laboratory was performed as part of a 12-month prospective observational study.