A series of contiguous genes in a pathogenic microorganism including one or more that determines virulence, acquired by horizontal gene transfer.
Example sentencesExamples
- Its genetic code is embedded in a complex DNA structure called the TCP pathogenicity island.
- The genes encoding the attaching and effacing (A / E) phenotype are situated on a 43 kb pathogenicity island.
- The ability of EPEC to adhere to the cells and produce A / E lesions has been attributed to the genes encoded on the pathogenicity island.
- Salmonella can sense bile in the intestine and use it as a signal to downregulate secretion and invasion genes of pathogenicity island.
- This suggests diversity in mechanisms or specificities of pathogenicity island acquisition.