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Genome of Klebsiella sp.-infecting bacteriophage vB_KleM_RaK2

Eugenijus Šimoliūnas1, Laura Kaliniene, Lidija Truncaite

  • 1VU Institute of Biochemistry, Mokslininku 12, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Journal of Virology
|April 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Researchers sequenced the genome of Klebsiella phage vB_KleM_RaK2, revealing it as the largest Klebsiella phage and a unique myovirus. This discovery aids in understanding phage diversity and combating multidrug-resistant Klebsiella strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella strains pose a significant threat due to rapid emergence.
  • Bacteriophages show promise in controlling these resistant bacteria.
  • Limited genomic data exists for Klebsiella-infecting phages, hindering research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the complete genome sequence of Klebsiella sp.-infecting bacteriophage vB_KleM_RaK2.
  • To characterize this phage and compare it to other known myoviruses.
  • To investigate the phylogenetic placement of vB_KleM_RaK2 within the Myoviridae family.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of bacteriophage vB_KleM_RaK2.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of the obtained genome sequence.
  • Comparative genomics with existing phage genomes.

Main Results:

  • The complete genome sequence of vB_KleM_RaK2 was determined to be 345,809 bp.
  • This represents the largest Klebsiella phage genome and the second-largest myovirus genome sequenced to date.
  • A significant portion (411/534) of vB_KleM_RaK2's open reading frames lack known functions, indicating novelty.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage vB_KleM_RaK2 possesses a unique genomic profile compared to other myoviruses.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggests vB_KleM_RaK2 occupies a distinct lineage within the Myoviridae family.
  • This study expands the genomic resources for Klebsiella phages and highlights novel phage entities.

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