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[Bacteriophage of Bacillus polymyxa BC153-29]

D Ia Matseliukh, L M Burova

    Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1993)
    |November 2, 2004
    PubMed

    Insights

    A virulent bacteriophage targeting Bacillus polymyxa was isolated during polymyxin B biosynthesis. This phage, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, effectively lyses the antibiotic-producing bacteria.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Virology
    • Biotechnology

    Background:

    • Bacillus polymyxa is an antibiotic-producing bacterium.
    • Bacteriophages can be used to control bacterial populations.
    • Phage therapy is an emerging field in combating antibiotic resistance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To isolate and characterize a virulent bacteriophage from a polymyxin B production fermenter.
    • To investigate the morphology and lytic activity of the isolated bacteriophage against Bacillus polymyxa.
    • To determine key kinetic parameters of the phage-bacteria interaction.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of bacteriophage from fermenter culture liquid.
    • Purification using ultracentrifugation in cesium chloride density gradients.
    • Morphological analysis via electron microscopy.
    • Determination of phage inactivation and adsorption kinetics using specific antiserum and sensitive cells.

    Main Results:

    • A virulent bacteriophage capable of lysing Bacillus polymyxa BC153-29 was successfully isolated.
    • Electron microscopy revealed a hexagonal head (72 nm) and a long, noncontractile tail (300 nm), consistent with the Siphoviridae family (B1).
    • Kinetic studies determined the phage neutralization velocity constant (595 min⁻¹) and adsorption velocity constant (9.39 x 10⁻⁸ ml/min).

    Conclusions:

    • The isolated bacteriophage is a virulent member of the Siphoviridae family, effective against Bacillus polymyxa.
    • The phage's characteristics suggest potential applications in controlling Bacillus polymyxa populations.
    • The study hypothesizes an exogenous origin for the isolated bacteriophage.

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