from Gavin K. Paterson and Duncan J. Maskell writing in Bacterial Pathogenesis: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms:
Determinants of bacterial pathogenicity are encoded by different types of genetic elements. Of particular note are large loci including pathogenicity islands, bacteriophages, integrative and conjugative elements, plasmids and integrons. Gene loss can also play a significant role in determining bacterial pathogenicity and should not be disregarded. Here we discuss these main genetic determinants of bacterial pathogenicity and how they influence the behaviour of important human and veterinary pathogens. The chapter illustrates the vast diversity and adaptability of bacterial pathogens, features that will ensure their continued medical and veterinary importance for quite some time to come.
Further reading: Bacterial Pathogenesis: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms