Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) sequence type (ST) 398 type V (5C2&5) isolate (typically found in China) in Australia in 2017. This CA-MRSA ST398 variant was highly virulent, similar to other related CA-MRSAs of ST398. This strain should be monitored to prevent more widespread dissemination.
Keywords: Australia; Australian Staphylococcus Sepsis Outcome Programme; MRSA; MRSA and other staphylococci; PVL negative; SCCmec V; ST398; Staphylococcus aureus; V (5C2&5); antibiotic resistance; bacteria; community-associated MRSA; endocarditis; human evasion genes; livestock; livestock-associated MRSA; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; sepsis; severe disease; spa type; t011.