Antibiotic-resistance genes, as well as other virulence factor genes, are easily passed between bacterial cells through horizontal gene transfer.
a. Conduct additional research and summarize the unique pathogenic characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7; describe how it acquired these traits over time.
b. Conduct additional research on New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 strains of bacteria, and explain why medical tourism poses a serious threat to the spread of this organism. Provide evidence to support your explanation.