Comprehensive genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance plasmids in animal-associated <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in France

The spread of antibiotic resistance in <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> is a growing concern, particularly in animals that can serve as reservoirs for resistant strains. This study highlights the crucial role of plasmids in transmitting resistance genes among different animal hosts and <i>S. aureus</i> lineages. The characterization of 329 isolates collected over 10 years revealed how certain plasmid families are associated with specific resistance genes and how they evolve over time. The occurrence of mosaic and hybrid plasmids further underscores the ability of <i>S. aureus</i> to acquire resistance from diverse bacterial sources. These findings provide key insights into the mechanisms shaping antibiotic resistance in this pathogen and emphasize the fact that understanding plasmid-driven resistance is essential for developing effective interventions to limit the spread of multidrug-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> in both veterinary and human medicine.