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Updated: May 14, 2026
09:40
Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
Genome sequence and characterization of a Rhodococcus equi phage REQ1
Steve Petrovski1, Robert J Seviour, Daniel Tillett
1La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia. steve.petrovski18@gmail.com
Virus Genes
|February 6, 2013
Summary
A novel bacteriophage, REQ1, was identified to target Rhodococcus equi, a pathogen causing infections in horses. This discovery offers a potential new avenue for controlling R. equi infections in equines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Equine Health
Background:
- Rhodococcus equi is a significant bacterial pathogen in equines.
- Actinobacteria infections pose a threat to animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage lytic against Rhodococcus equi.
- To explore phage therapy as a potential control strategy for R. equi infections.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of a Siphoviridae bacteriophage (REQ1).
- Genome sequencing and analysis of REQ1.
- Identification of open reading frames and functional prediction.
Main Results:
- A novel bacteriophage, REQ1, was successfully isolated and characterized.
- The REQ1 genome is 51,342 bp with a modular structure.
- Functional analysis revealed putative genes based on amino acid similarity.
Conclusions:
- REQ1 is a novel double-stranded DNA phage lytic against Rhodococcus equi.
- This phage represents a promising candidate for phage therapy in equine R. equi infections.
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