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Complete genome of temperate phage ENT39118 from Cronobacter sakazakii

Young-Duck Lee1, Jong-Hyun Park

  • 1Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Gachon University, Sungnam-Si, Kyunggi-Do, South Korea.

Journal of Virology
|April 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study sequenced the genome of phage ENT39118, isolated from Cronobacter sakazakii found in infant formula. This research provides new insights into potential virulence factors in this dangerous bacterium.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Cronobacter sakazakii infections pose a significant risk to infants.
  • Prophages are known to carry virulence factors in C. sakazakii.
  • Identifying phage-host interactions is crucial for understanding bacterial pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To perform genomic sequencing and annotation of the temperate phage ENT39118.
  • To investigate the potential role of phage ENT39118 in C. sakazakii virulence.
  • To characterize a phage isolated from a C. sakazakii strain found in powdered infant formula.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of phage ENT39118 from wild-type Cronobacter sakazakii.
  • Determination of the complete genomic sequence of phage ENT39118 (dsDNA, 39,012 bp).
  • Bioinformatic analysis and annotation of the phage genome.

Main Results:

  • Phage ENT39118 belongs to the Siphoviridae family.
  • The genome sequence of ENT39118 exhibits weak similarity to prophage regions in C. sakazakii BAA-894.
  • This is the first genomic characterization of this specific temperate phage.

Conclusions:

  • The genomic data of phage ENT39118 provides a foundation for future studies on its role in C. sakazakii virulence.
  • Understanding temperate phages from foodborne pathogens like C. sakazakii is essential for food safety.
  • This study contributes novel genomic information on a phage associated with a bacterium relevant to infant health.

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