Complete genome sequence of a polyvalent bacteriophage, phiKP26, active on Salmonella and Escherichia coli

Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and lyse prokaryotic cells and therefore might be used as biocontrol agents. However, it is necessary to acquire genomic information to predict and understand the phage's characteristics for the efficient and safe use of bacteriophages as biocontrol agents against bacterial pathogens. In this study, the complete genome sequence of a novel enterobacteriophage, phiKP26, was determined by pyrosequencing. Genomic analysis of phiKP26 revealed a genome size of 47,285 bp with an overall G + C content of 44.3 %. Seventy-eight open reading frames (ORFs) in the phiKP26 genome were grouped into the modules of replication, DNA packaging, morphogenesis, cell lysis and absence of genes related to virulence and lysogeny.