Heterogeneity in recombination rates and accessory gene co-occurrence distinguish <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> phylogroups

The consummate opportunist <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> inhabits many nosocomial and non-clinical environments, posing a major health burden worldwide. Our study reveals phylogroup-specific differences in recombination features and co-occurrence networks of accessory genes within the species. This genomic variation partly explains its remarkable ability to exhibit diverse ecological and phenotypic traits, and thus contribute to circumventing clinical and public health intervention strategies to contain it. Our results may help inform efforts to control and prevent <i>P. aeruginosa</i> diseases, including managing transmission, therapeutic efforts, and pathogen circulation in non-clinical environmental reservoirs.