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Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Published on: September 28, 2022
Bacteriophages of spirochetes.
C H Eggers1, S Casjens, S F Hayes
1Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula 59812, USA.
Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have been found with spirochetes for years. A new bacteriophage, phiBB-1, of the Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi has been characterized, offering new insights.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bacteriophage-like particles have a historical association with Spirochetales bacteria.
- Recent advancements have enabled molecular characterization of spirochete bacteriophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical association between spirochetes and bacteriophages.
- To detail the characterization of a novel bacteriophage, phiBB-1, from Borrelia burgdorferi.
- To discuss the relationship between phiBB-1 and its prophage in B. burgdorferi.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of spirochete-bacteriophage associations.
- Molecular characterization of bacteriophage phiBB-1.
- Analysis of the 32-kb circular plasmid family in B. burgdorferi.
Main Results:
- Confirmation of bacteriophage-like particles in spirochetes.
- Successful isolation and molecular characterization of phiBB-1 from Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Identification of phiBB-1's prophage within a 32-kb circular plasmid family of B. burgdorferi.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive overview of spirochete-bacteriophage interactions.
- phiBB-1 represents a significant finding in the study of Borrelia burgdorferi.
- The characterized prophage offers insights into the genetic makeup of B. burgdorferi.
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