Bacteria Can Jump Between Species Far More Easily Than Previously Thought

There's some disturbing news when it comes to bacteria. Scientists have found that bacteria may be able to jump between host species far more easily than previously thought, which could have huge implications for disease research.

In this case, the researchers focused on a strain of bacterial called Staphylococcus aureus (ST121), which is responsible for widespread epidemics and disease in the global rabbit farming industry. More specifically, the researchers examined the genetic makeup of ST121 to see where the strain originated and the changes that occurred that enabled it to infect rabbits.

So what did they find? It turns out that ST121 evolved through a host jump from humans to rabbits just 40 years ago. This occurred due to a genetic mutation at a single site in the bacterial DNA code.

The findings reveal that minimal genetic changes can allow bacteria to jump from species to species. Although ST121 is usually harmless, it can cause a variety of conditions from minor skin infections to meningitis and sepsis. In rabbits, it causes serious skin infections.

"The ability for pathogens to switch host-species and lead to an epidemic in a new host population is of major concern to veterinary and public health professionals," said David Viana and Jose Penades, study researchers, in a news release. "Our results represent a paradigm shift in understanding of the minimal adaptations required for a bacterium to overcome species barriers and establish in new host populations."

The findings reveal that bacteria can evolve to jump between species relatively quickly and easily, given the right genetic mutation. This has huge implications for agriculture and disease control. In addition, it may require re-examination of future threats posed by bacterial host switching events.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).