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Updated: Dec 30, 2025

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Horizontal gene transfer in human pathogens.

Mario Juhas1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK.

Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|July 19, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Horizontal gene transfer drives bacterial evolution and adaptation, enabling the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence. This review details HGT mechanisms and their role in emerging superbugs like MRSA and hypervirulent E. coli.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) significantly impacts bacterial genome plasticity and evolution.
  • Mobile genetic elements facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes.
  • HGT contributes to the emergence of dangerous

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on HGT mechanisms.
  • To examine the role of HGT in the evolution of pathogenic bacteria.
  • To focus on HGT's contribution to the pathogenicity of emerging human pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of HGT mechanisms.
  • Analysis of HGT's role in bacterial evolution.
  • Case studies on specific pathogens: Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Keywords:
Clostridium difficileEscherichia coliStaphylococcus aureushorizontal gene transferpathogenicity

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Last Updated: Dec 30, 2025

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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
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Main Results:

  • HGT is a key driver of bacterial adaptation and pathogenicity.
  • Mobile genetic elements are crucial for disseminating resistance and virulence.
  • Specific examples highlight HGT's role in hypervirulent strains and outbreaks.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding HGT mechanisms is vital for combating bacterial infections.
  • HGT fuels the emergence and spread of critical human pathogens.
  • Targeting HGT could be a strategy against emerging infectious diseases.