Complete genome sequence of ΦCP51, a temperate bacteriophage of Clostridium perfringens

Teresa Gervasi1, Rosario Lo Curto, Arjan Narbad

  • 1Institute of Food Research, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK.

Archives of Virology
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a novel bacteriophage, vB_CpeS-CP51, from Clostridium perfringens. This Siphoviridae family phage has a 39,108-bp genome with 50 open reading frames (ORFs), including potential sporulation genes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Clostridium perfringens is an important bacterial pathogen.
  • Prophages, integrated viral DNA, can influence bacterial host properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a newly identified bacteriophage from Clostridium perfringens strain 5147-97.
  • To determine the genomic features and structure of the prophage.

Main Methods:

  • Genome sequencing of Clostridium perfringens strain 5147-97.
  • Mitomycin C induction to release bacteriophage.
  • Electron microscopy for morphological analysis.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to confirm prophage ends.

Main Results:

  • A putative prophage was identified within a flavodoxin oxidoreductase gene.
  • Mitomycin C induction released a Siphoviridae bacteriophage, designated vB_CpeS-CP51.
  • The phage genome is 39,108 bp with 50 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) and two tRNAs.
  • PCR confirmed a circularized genome in purified phage particles.

Conclusions:

  • vB_CpeS-CP51 is a novel bacteriophage of Clostridium perfringens.
  • The phage genome contains genes potentially affecting bacterial sporulation.
  • Further characterization of this phage could reveal insights into Clostridium perfringens biology and phage-host interactions.

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