Nature reviews. Microbiology
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Nat. Rev. Microbiol. · Sep 2006
ReviewBottlenecks and broomsticks: the molecular evolution of Mycobacterium bovis.
Mycobacterium bovis is the cause of tuberculosis in cattle and is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. In contrast to many other pathogenic bacterial species, there is little evidence for the transfer and recombination of genes between cells. ⋯ We describe how these forces have shaped not only the phylogeny of this group but also, at a very local level, the population structure of Mycobacterium bovis in the British Isles. We also discuss the practical implications of applying this knowledge to understanding the spread of infection and the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic tests.