Comparisons between bacterial pathogens and related nonpathogenic strains have revealed

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Comparisons between bacterial pathogens and nonpathogenic strains have shown that the pathogenic strains often have additional genes called virulence factors that contribute to their ability to cause disease. These virulence genes may encode for toxins or other proteins that help the pathogen evade the host's immune system or colonize specific tissues. Non-pathogenic strains, on the other hand, lack these virulence factors and may have a more limited set of genes.

Comparisons Between Bacterial Pathogens and Related Nonpathogenic Strains Have Revealed