👉 g:infection, short for genomic infection, refers to the process by which genetic material from one organism is transferred to another through horizontal gene transfer, often via plasmids, transposons, or bacteriophages. Unlike vertical transmission, where genetic information is passed from parent to offspring, g:infection allows for the direct exchange of DNA between different species or strains of bacteria, even those that are not closely related. This phenomenon can lead to rapid genetic changes, contributing to antibiotic resistance, virulence, and the spread of new traits within bacterial populations. g:infection plays a significant role in microbial evolution and has important implications for public health, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.