Convergence of Campylobacter species: Implications for bacterial evolution

Samuel K. Sheppard, Noel D. McCarthy, Daniel Falush, M. C J Maiden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

196 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The nature of species boundaries in bacteria remains controversial. In particular, the mechanisms of bacterial speciation and maintenance in the face of frequent genetic exchange are poorly understood. Here, we report patterns of genetic exchange that show two closely related zoonotic pathogenic species, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, are converging as a consequence of recent changes in gene flow. Population expansion into a novel ecological niche generated by human activity is the most probable explanation for the increase in genetic exchange between these species. Bacterial speciation can therefore occur by mechanisms analogous to those seen in metazoans, where genetic diversification and incipient speciation caused by ecological factors have been reported in several genera.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-239
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume320
Issue number5873
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Apr 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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