Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

08:31
Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
Published on: May 26, 2013
Complete genome sequence of enterococcal bacteriophage SAP6.
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
Summary
Researchers identified a novel bacteriophage, SAP6, effective against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. This discovery offers a potential new strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Genomics
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a significant bacterium with dual roles as a probiotic and opportunistic pathogen.
- Multidrug-resistant strains of E. faecalis pose a growing threat in clinical settings.
- There is a critical need for alternative therapeutic strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis.
- To characterize a newly isolated enterococcal bacteriophage.
- To determine the complete genome sequence of bacteriophage SAP6.
Main Methods:
- Screening for bacteriophages active against multidrug-resistant E. faecalis.
- Isolation and characterization of virulent enterococcal bacteriophage SAP6.
- Whole-genome sequencing of bacteriophage SAP6.
Main Results:
- A virulent bacteriophage, SAP6, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, was isolated.
- The complete genome sequence of bacteriophage SAP6 was determined for the first time.
- Bacteriophage SAP6 demonstrated potential as a therapeutic agent.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage SAP6 represents a promising candidate for combating multidrug-resistant E. faecalis.
- The findings suggest bacteriophage therapy as a viable alternative or adjunct to conventional antibiotics.
- Further research into bacteriophage SAP6 could lead to new treatments for resistant bacterial infections.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the lytic replication...
Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes
The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
Evolution of Microbial Genome
Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.

