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Genomic Islands and the Evolution of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

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Horizontal Gene Transfer

Abstract

The horizontal gene transfer is crucial for the evolution and adaptation of bacteria. An important part of the horizontal gene transfer is facilitated by the large, discreet DNA segments called genomic islands. Some genomic islands encode means of their own excision, self-transfer and integration into the chromosome, while others can be mobilized by other mobile genetic elements or are stably integrated into the chromosomes of the host bacteria. Genomic islands are involved in the dissemination of a wide variety of genes, including virulence and antibiotic-resistant genes. This review provides an update on the investigation of genomic islands with particular emphasis on their role in the evolution of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

    Mario Juhas

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  1. Mario Juhas
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Correspondence to Mario Juhas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Microbiology, University of Santiago de Compostela , Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    Tomás G. Villa

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Miguel Viñas

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Juhas, M. (2019). Genomic Islands and the Evolution of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. In: Villa, T., Viñas, M. (eds) Horizontal Gene Transfer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21862-1_4

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