Simon R. HarrisEdward J. FeilMatthew T.G. HoldenMichael A. QuailEmma K. NickersonNarisara ChantratitaSusana GardeteAna TavaresNick DayJodi A. LindsayJonathan D. EdgeworthHermínia De LencastreJulian ParkhillSharon J. PeacockStephen D. BentleyWellcome Trust Sanger InstituteUniversity of BathMahidol UniversityUniversity of CambridgeInstituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica - Univesidade Nova de LisboaRockefeller UniversityNuffield Department of Clinical MedicineSt George's University of LondonKing's College LondonGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust2018-09-242018-09-242010-01-22Science. Vol.327, No.5964 (2010), 469-47410959203003680752-s2.0-75649084906https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/29987Current methods for differentiating isolates of predominant lineages of pathogenic bacteria often do not provide sufficient resolution to define precise relationships. Here, we describe a highthroughput genomics approach that provides a high-resolution view of the epidemiology and microevolution of a dominant strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This approach reveals the global geographic structure within the lineage, its intercontinental transmission through four decades, and the potential to trace person-to-person transmission within a hospital environment. The ability to interrogate and resolve bacterial populations is applicable to a range of infectious diseases, as well as microbial ecology.Mahidol UniversityMultidisciplinaryArticleSCOPUS10.1126/science.1182395