Genomic analysis of foodborne Staphylococcus aureus obtained from unannounced food inspections between 2012 and 2021 in East China

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of foodborne illness in China. Our investigation concentrated on the genetic characterization of foodborne S. aureus identified during unannounced inspections conducted in Suzhou from 2012 to 2021. Dominant clones included clonal complex (CC) 1, CC398, CC188, and CC7, with CC398 notably increasing in 2020–2021. The isolates commonly contained 1–3 plasmids, with rep5a (48.55%) and rep16 (44.51%) predominating. A concerning 24.3% showed multidrug resistance, particularly to penam (blaZ and mecA) and fosfomycin (fosB), with resistance rates rising from 32.7% to 53.3%, potentially linked to the increase in CC types like CC5, CC20, and CC25. Most isolates carried genes for virulence factors such as aureolysin, hemolysin, staphylokinase, and staphylococcal complement inhibitor. A significant increase in virulence genes, especially the enterotoxin gene sea, was observed, possibly associated with shifts in CC1 and CC7 prevalence. This underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance to understand the genomic traits of S. aureus in ensuring food safety.