Using transposon mutagenesis and high throughput next generation sequencing to identify Staphylococcus aureus genes essential for acid stress survival

Hospital-acquired infections with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are a leading cause of illness and death and impose a large economic cost on patients and hospitals. MRSA stains have now also emerged as important community pathogens causing infection in previously healthy individuals with no recognizable risk factors. Novel classes of antibiotics and more effective ways of treating such infections are needed. Genes essential for the growth and stress resistance of S. aureus are currently explored for their value as novel drug targets. As part of this work, we aim to identify and subsequently characterize genes that are essential for acid stress resistance in S. aureus.