Identification, evolution and spread of bacterial virulence

The Dutch ministry ‘VROM’ has commissioned a literature research project entitled ‘Pathogenicity and virulence of bacteria’, the results of which will be used by the Committee on Genetic Modification (COGEM) to advise the ministry in a re-evaluation of the safety regulations for working with genetically modified organisms. VROM ordered an evaluation and summary of the scientific literature on bacterial virulence and exchange of virulence genes within bacterial populations (excluding plant pathogens). This work resulted in a report: ‘Identification, evolution, and spread of bacterial virulence: consequences for genetic modification of bacteria’.