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Complete genome sequence of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteriophage vB_CsaM_GAP161

Reza Abbasifar1, Andrew M Kropinski, Parviz M Sabour

  • 1Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Virology
|November 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

We sequenced the genome of the Cronobacter sakazakii myovirus GAP161, a bacteriophage potentially useful for combating this pathogen. This research provides genomic insights into a phage targeting a bacterium linked to infant meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Virology

Background:

  • Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen linked to infant meningitis, often associated with milk-based infant formula.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are being explored as therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To fully sequence the genome of a newly isolated lytic Cronobacter sakazakii myovirus, named vB_CsaM_GAP161 (GAP161).
  • To provide genomic data for understanding phage-CRISPR interactions and potential phage therapy applications against Cronobacter sakazakii.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of the isolated bacteriophage GAP161.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify genes, open reading frames (ORFs), and tRNA-encoding genes.
  • Comparative genomics to determine phylogenetic relationships with other known phages.

Main Results:

  • The complete genome of the C. sakazakii myovirus GAP161 was sequenced, measuring 178,193 base pairs with a G+C content of 44.5%.
  • A total of 277 genes were identified, including 275 open reading frames and two tRNA-encoding genes.
  • Phage GAP161 was found to be closely related to coliphages RB16 and RB43, and Klebsiella pneumoniae phage KP15.

Conclusions:

  • The genomic characterization of C. sakazakii phage GAP161 provides a foundation for further research into its biological properties.
  • This phage represents a potential candidate for phage therapy strategies aimed at controlling Cronobacter sakazakii infections, particularly in vulnerable infant populations.

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