That would probably only work if it gave the altered species a significant advantage (or if you had a system to detect and penalize/eliminate individuals depending on their genome, at scale).

At this point in time, do you really think that viruses are incapable of sweeping the globe and infecting a significant fraction of humanity, if they don't provide a benefit to the host?

The parent was more specific and asked about changing a species's genome. Infecting everyone does not lead to a change in genome if they die (or fight it off).

Assuming a low percent of the infected get their genome changed or produce offspring with altered genome, those don't take over.

They don't need to provide a benefit. They only need to not reduce fertility.

Or you gene drive them.

Ah is that what's in the black goo?