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Updated: May 14, 2026
09:23
Understanding the Impact of Temperate Bacteriophages on Their Lysogens Through Transcriptomics
Published on: January 5, 2024
The Staphylococci phages family: an overview
Marie Deghorain1, Laurence Van Melderen
1Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Faculté de Sciences, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, B-6141, Belgium. mdeghora@ulb.ac.be
Viruses
|January 25, 2013
Summary
Bacteriophages, viruses infecting bacteria, play key roles in Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis. This review covers staphylococcal phages, including those from coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), highlighting their structure, genomics, and evolutionary significance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Virology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are integral to Staphylococcus aureus virulence and adaptability.
- Phages contribute to genome plasticity, enhancing pathogen versatility.
- Phages from coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), like S. epidermidis, are increasingly recognized for public health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of staphylococcal phages, extending the scope to include CoNS phages.
- To analyze the morphological and molecular characteristics of these phages.
- To elucidate the evolutionary relationships and gene exchange mechanisms within the staphylococcal phage family.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on staphylococcal and CoNS phages.
- Morphological characterization based on established classification (Caudovirales, Siphoviridae).
- Comparative genomics to analyze gene organization, mosaicism, and functional modules.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcal phages, including CoNS phages, predominantly belong to the temperate Siphoviridae family within the Caudovirales order.
- Comparative genomics reveals significant mosaicism and modular gene organization.
- Evidence of frequent gene exchange between phages, contributing to their evolutionary dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcal phages exhibit complex evolutionary relationships and gene exchange patterns.
- Understanding phage biology is crucial for comprehending the evolution and emergence of staphylococcal pathogens.
- The study underscores the importance of CoNS phages in the broader context of staphylococcal evolution and public health.
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