Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Isolation of Salmonella typhimurium-containing Phagosomes from Macrophages
Published on: October 25, 2017
Isolation and characterization of a rare waterborne lytic phage of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B
Sangeeta S Ahiwale1, Ashok V Bankar, Sujata N Tagunde
1a Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Pune, Pune 411 007, India.
Abstract:
A lytic phage of Salmonella serovar Paratyphi B, named φSPB, was isolated from surface waters of the Pavana River in India. Phage φSPB is a member of the Podoviridae family and is morphologically similar to the 7-11 phages of the C3 morphotype of tailed phages, characterized by a very long, cigar-shaped head. The head measured approximately 153 × 57 nm, and the tail size was 12 × 7 nm. The phage was stable over a wide range of pH (4-9) and temperature (4-40 °C). The adsorption rate constant was 4.7 × 10(-10). Latent and eclipse periods were 10 and 15 min, respectively, and the burst size was 100 plaque-forming units/infected cell after 25 min at 37 °C. The phage DNA was 59 kb in size. Ten major proteins were observed on SDS-PAGE, although some of these proteins could be bacterial contaminants. This is the first report of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi B phage of C3 morphotype from India that has many unique features, such as high replication potential, short replication time, and stability over a wide range of pH and temperature, making it a promising biocontrol agent against the drug-resistant strains of Salmonella Paratyphi B.
Insights
A novel bacteriophage, φSPB, targeting drug-resistant Salmonella Paratyphi B was discovered in India. This phage exhibits high replication potential and stability, making it a promising biocontrol agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriophage Research
Background:
- Salmonella Paratyphi B is a significant human pathogen, often exhibiting drug resistance.
- Bacteriophages offer a potential alternative to antibiotics for combating bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel lytic bacteriophage targeting Salmonella Paratyphi B.
- To evaluate the potential of this phage as a biocontrol agent against drug-resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophage φSPB from river water.
- Morphological characterization using electron microscopy.
- Determination of phage stability across various pH and temperature ranges.
- Analysis of adsorption, replication cycle, and DNA size.
- Protein profiling using SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Phage φSPB, belonging to the Podoviridae family (C3 morphotype), was isolated.
- Morphology: cigar-shaped head (153 × 57 nm) and short tail (12 × 7 nm).
- Stable over pH 4-9 and temperature 4-40 °C; adsorption rate constant 4.7 × 10⁻¹⁰.
- Short replication time (latent period 10 min, eclipse 15 min) with a burst size of 100 PFU/cell.
- 59 kb phage DNA and ten major proteins identified.
Conclusions:
- Phage φSPB is the first reported Salmonella Paratyphi B phage of C3 morphotype from India.
- Unique features include high replication potential, rapid replication, and broad stability.
- φSPB shows promise as a biocontrol agent against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Paratyphi B.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
01:26DNA Bacteriophages