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Genome rearrangements in host-range mutants of the polyvalent staphylococcal bacteriophage 812

P Kaspárek1, R Pantůcek, J Kahánková

  • 1Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czechia.

Folia Microbiologica
|December 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mutations in bacteriophage 812 expanded its host range against Staphylococcus strains. Genetic analysis revealed deletions and insertions in genes like endolysin and orf8, explaining these host-range changes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Polyvalent bacteriophages are crucial for controlling Staphylococcus infections.
  • Understanding bacteriophage host range is key to developing effective phage therapy.
  • Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococcal species pose significant health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genetic mutations responsible for the extended host range of bacteriophage 812.
  • To characterize the genomic alterations in host-range mutants of phage 812.
  • To elucidate the genetic factors influencing the host range of staphylococcal bacteriophages.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of host-range mutants of bacteriophage 812.
  • Genomic analysis of wild-type and mutant phages using techniques like deletion and insertion identification.
  • Comparative genomic analysis with related phages (U16, phi131).

Main Results:

  • Mutations significantly broadened the host range of bacteriophage 812 against Staphylococcus species.
  • Specific mutations identified include deletions in the endolysin gene (mutant 812F1) and the orf8 gene (mutants 812i, 812b, 812p, 812F3).
  • Genome rearrangements associated with intron insertion/excision and insertions in non-coding regions were observed in mutants and related phages.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic alterations, including deletions, insertions, and rearrangements, are directly linked to the expanded host range of bacteriophage 812.
  • The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing bacteriophage host specificity in staphylococci.
  • This research contributes to the potential application of engineered bacteriophages in combating staphylococcal infections.

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