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Comparative study of temperate bacteriophages isolated from Yersinia
Abstract:
170 Yersinia strains belonging to various species were investigated for the presence of temperate bacteriophages. By induction with mitomycin C seven phages were isolated from Y. enterocolitica strains and one phage from a Y. frederiksenii strain. The phages were characterized on the basis of their morphology, host range, genome size, DNA homology, and protein composition. They belong to different phage families and reveal narrow to moderate wide host ranges. Some of the isolated phages were able to infect pathogenic as well as nonpathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica. The genomes of all isolated phages were found to be composed of double stranded DNA ranging from about 40 to 60 kb. In addition to the analysed phages, a number of putative phages were induced in strains of Y. frederiksenii, Y. kristensenii, Y. intermedia, and Y. mollaretii. The putative phages were identified by isolation of phage DNA from cell free lysates but could not be propagated on indicator strains. Southern hybridization experiments revealed relationships between phages belonging to different families. Moreover, DNA homologies were observed between phages isolated from nonpathogenic Yersinia strains and a phage which was isolated from a pathogenic Y. enterocolitica serogroup O:3 strain.
Insights
Researchers investigated temperate bacteriophages in 170 Yersinia strains, isolating eight phages. Some phages infected both pathogenic and nonpathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, revealing genetic relationships between diverse phage groups.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Temperate bacteriophages are viruses that can integrate into the host genome.
- Yersinia species are a group of bacteria with medical and environmental significance.
- Understanding bacteriophage diversity and interactions is crucial for microbial ecology and potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of temperate bacteriophages in various Yersinia species.
- To determine the host range and genetic relatedness of isolated phages.
- To explore potential phage-host interactions within Yersinia populations.
Main Methods:
- Induction of prophages using mitomycin C.
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages based on morphology, host range, genome size, and protein composition.
- Southern hybridization for DNA homology analysis.
Main Results:
- Seven phages were isolated from Yersinia enterocolitica and one from Yersinia frederiksenii.
- Isolated phages exhibited diverse morphologies and host ranges, infecting both pathogenic and nonpathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains.
- DNA homology studies revealed relationships between phages from different families and between phages from nonpathogenic and pathogenic Y. enterocolitica.
Conclusions:
- Temperate bacteriophages are present in diverse Yersinia species.
- The isolated phages display significant genetic diversity and potential for host interaction.
- Phage-host relationships within Yersinia may involve horizontal gene transfer and shared genetic elements across different strains.