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10:39
Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: March 10, 2017
Complete genome sequence of wide-host-range Staphylococcus aureus phage JD007
Zelin Cui1, Zhen Song, Yanchun Wang
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Institutes of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Virology
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a global threat. Bacteriophage therapy using S. aureus phage JD007 shows promise, lysing 30% of MRSA strains and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Bacteriophage Therapy
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a significant global health challenge.
- Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating MRSA.
- Phage therapy research is crucial for developing novel strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the S. aureus phage JD007, including its lytic activity and genomic features.
- To evaluate the potential of phage JD007 as a therapeutic agent against MRSA.
- To provide insights into the Myoviridae family of bacteriophages.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of S. aureus phage JD007 from chicken feces.
- Transmission electron microscopy to determine phage morphology and family classification.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify open reading frames and compare with known phages.
- Determination of lytic activity against clinical MRSA isolates.
Main Results:
- S. aureus phage JD007, belonging to the Myoviridae family, was isolated from chicken feces in Shanghai.
- Phage JD007 demonstrated the ability to lyse approximately 30% of clinical S. aureus strains.
- The complete genome of JD007 is a linear, double-stranded DNA molecule of 141,836 bp with 217 open reading frames and 30.4% GC content.
- Genomic analysis revealed high similarity to phage GH15.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus phage JD007 is a potent lytic phage with a broad host range against clinical MRSA strains.
- The genomic characterization of JD007 provides valuable data for understanding bacteriophage biology and developing phage-based therapies.
- Phage JD007 represents a potential candidate for therapeutic applications against MRSA infections.
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