Insertion sequence elements associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis evolution in persistent orthopaedic device-related infections
This study reveals that while insertion sequence (IS) elements, particularly the IS256 family, drive significant genetic diversification in *Staphylococcus epidermidis* during persistent orthopaedic device-related infections, the strains' high-level multidrug resistance and biofilm-forming capabilities are likely pre-existing traits of epidemic clones rather than results of rapid within-host adaptation.