Changing careers: Skin pathogen evolves to infect the bloodstream

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) rose to clinical dominance de-cades ago and predominantly manifested as skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). These clones were distinct from those causing hospital acquired (HA-MRSA) infections. Dyzenhaus et al. describe the evolu-tionary changes necessary for CA-MRSA clones to cause bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Automated summary

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) emerged as a prevalent infection decades ago, primarily causing skin and soft-tissue infections. These CA-MRSA clones were distinct from those responsible for hospital-acquired infections. Dyzenhaus et al. explain the evolutionary changes required for CA-MRSA clones to cause bloodstream infections.