This is suggested by the findings of the research conducted by INRA scientists working at the Joint Research Unit on 'Host-Pathogen Agent Interactions' (INRA-ENVT) at the Toulouse Center. Comparative genome analyses conducted on several mycoplasma species (Mycoplasma agalactiae and several species belonging to the mycoid group) enabled the scientists to demonstrate the exchange of a large amount of genes between remote species of ruminant pathogen mycoplasma.
Bacterial sexuality involves the exchange of genetic material between the strains of a same species or between 'compatible' species sharing a niche. Although a large share of bacteria have bacterial sexuality, until now studies suggested that the exchanges of genetic material between mycoplasma were marginal. So, this is a new very interesting fact because the direct gene exchange, probably via conjugation, may have consequences on the emergence of new strains that are better adapted to their host, or more virulent.
