Abstract
Abstract Bacteriophages contribute to the virulence of many bacterial pathogens, largely by encoding the structural genes for virulence factors. The most widely recognized phage-encoded virulence factors are bacterial exotoxins, which account for the characteristic clinical manifestations of a number of human diseases caused by bacterial infections. The previous edition of this chapter focused primarily on phage-encoded toxins, but in the intervening years two themes have emerged (169). First, phages are increasingly recognized for encoding genes that contribute to other aspects of bacterial pathogenesis in addition to toxin production. In fact, phage-encoded gene products contribute to virtually every facet of bacterial pathogenicity, from attachment and invasion to immune evasion and transmission among humans. Second, while phages are like other mobile genetic elements in that they disseminate virulence genes among bacterial populations, phages have unique properties that enable them to contribute to bacterial pathogenesis by mechanisms other than transduction as well.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
