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The Bacillus thuringiensis linear double-stranded DNA phage Bam35, which is highly similar to the Bacillus cereus

Nelli J Strömsten1, Stacy D Benson, Roger M Burnett

  • 1Department of Biosciences and Institute of Biotechnology, Biocenter 2, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of Bacteriology
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The double-stranded DNA phage Bam35, which infects Bacillus thuringiensis, can convert to a prophage state. This prophage state is common, as related viruses are released by several Bacillus thuringiensis strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis is infected by the double-stranded DNA phage Bam35.
  • A linear plasmid, pBClin15, was recently identified in Bacillus cereus.
  • pBClin15 shares significant resemblance to Bam35.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Bam35 and pBClin15.
  • To determine if Bam35 can exist in a prophage state.
  • To assess the prevalence of Bam35-related viruses in Bacillus thuringiensis.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative sequence analysis of Bam35 and pBClin15.
  • Experimental induction of prophage conversion from Bam35.
  • Isolation and characterization of viruses released from Bacillus thuringiensis strains.

Main Results:

  • pBClin15 is highly similar to Bam35.
  • Bam35 can be converted into a prophage within Bacillus thuringiensis.
  • Bam35-related viruses are frequently released by various Bacillus thuringiensis strains.

Conclusions:

  • Bam35 represents a prophage of Bacillus thuringiensis.
  • The pBClin15 plasmid is a manifestation of the Bam35 prophage.
  • The prophage state of Bam35 is a common phenomenon in Bacillus thuringiensis populations.

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