Document Type : Mini-review article
Authors
1
Department of Biology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
2
Department of Biology , Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
3
Department of Microbiology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Viruses, particularly bacteriophages, play a critical and complex role in the evolution of pathogenicity islands (PAIs) in bacteria, contributing through mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer, genetic rearrangement, and the dissemination of virulence factors. When bacteriophages integrate into bacterial chromosomes, they can introduce a range of genetic elements, including virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and PAIs, into the host genome. This genetic integration not only increases bacterial genetic diversity but also drives fundamental changes in bacterial genome structure and pathogenic capabilities. In Salmonella, these bacteriophage interactions are particularly significant, as they facilitate the transfer and stabilization of genes associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance. By acquiring these genetic elements from viruses, Salmonella rapidly adapts to diverse environments, enhancing its capacity for infection and resistance to antibiotic treatment. This phenomenon poses a serious public health challenge, and in-depth analysis may illuminate the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance evolution, enabling the development of more effective strategies for combating bacterial infections. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of viral infections in promoting and enhancing antibiotic resistance within Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) and to assess the impact of these genetic changes on bacterial pathogenicity and survival.
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