Horizontal gene transfer (HGT)

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a process where genetic material is transferred between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction. This mechanism is particularly significant in microbial evolution, contributing to genetic diversity and adaptability among bacteria.

The exchange of cell organisms, viruses, plasmids, Transposons , and genes among various microbiomes results in:

1. Changes in the composition and function of the microbiome within the recipient systems.


2. The introduction of pathogenic species and genes.


3. The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.

In 2019, an estimated 4.71 million deaths globally were linked to [antimicro…