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The clinically isolated FIZ15 bacteriophage causes lysogenic conversion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

S Vaca-Pacheco1, G L Paniagua-Contreras, O García-González

  • 1Laboratorio de Genética, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Profesionales Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado postal 314, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Méx., 54090, México.

Current Microbiology
|March 9, 1999
PubMed

Insights

The FIZ15 bacteriophage confers Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhanced resistance to immune defenses and improved adhesion. These changes are linked to modifications in the bacterium's O-antigen receptor.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Bacteriophages can alter bacterial properties through lysogenic conversion.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of FIZ15 bacteriophage lysogenic conversion on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • To identify the mechanisms behind the conferred phenotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Lysogenic conversion of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 with FIZ15 bacteriophage.
  • Assays for phagocytosis resistance using mouse peritoneal macrophages.
  • Serum resistance assays using normal human serum.
  • Adhesion assays with human buccal epithelial cells.

Main Results:

  • FIZ15 lysogenic conversion resulted in increased resistance to phagocytosis.
  • The converted strain showed enhanced resistance to normal human serum killing.
  • Increased adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells was observed.
  • These phenotypes are associated with alterations in the bacterial receptor, likely the O-antigen.

Conclusions:

  • FIZ15 bacteriophage mediates significant phenotypic changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • The O-antigen appears to be the target of prophage-induced modification.
  • Lysogenic conversion by FIZ15 enhances P. aeruginosa virulence and host interaction.

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