Comparative genomics of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> from Mexico City hospitals

MRSA and MSSA <i>S. aureus</i> genomes are still largely unstudied in Mexico although they are frequently found in hospitals. This study provides a long-term genomic analysis of MRSA and MSSA isolates from three hospitals in Mexico. Our findings revealed the presence of <i>S. aureus</i> international clones of clonal complexes CC5 and CC8 over a decade, broader diversity in MSSA, and localized clonal transmission within hospitals. The contrasting resistance and virulence profiles of MRSA and MSSA clones underscore the need for genomic surveillance frameworks to inform infection control and antibiotic stewardship in healthcare settings.