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Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
08:51

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

Published on: November 4, 2016

Characterization and genomic analysis of two Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages isolated from poultry/livestock

Hyunjin Yoon1, Jiae Yun2, Jeong-A Lim3

  • 1Department of Food Technology and Services, College of Health Industry, Eulji university, Seongnam 461-713, Korea.

The Journal of General Virology
|August 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study isolated two Staphylococcus aureus phages, SP5 and SP6, from farm soil. Genomic analysis revealed these phages, potential alternatives to antibiotics for controlling methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), have distinct host ranges but similar genomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen causing human and animal diseases.
  • The rise of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) complicates standard antibiotic treatments.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are explored as potential alternatives for MRSA control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize bacteriophages effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
  • To investigate the genomic features and host specificity of selected phages.
  • To explore phage-based strategies for combating MRSA infections.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of six S. aureus phages from poultry/livestock farm soil.
  • Host range determination using 150 S. aureus strains.
  • Phage DNA restriction enzyme treatment, genome sequencing, and comparative genomic analysis.
  • Adsorption assays to investigate host range determinants.

Main Results:

  • Two phages, SP5 and SP6, belonging to the Siphoviridae family, were selected for detailed study.
  • SP5 and SP6 genomes consist of 43,305 bp (63 ORFs) and 42,902 bp (61 ORFs), respectively.
  • Despite differing host spectra, the phages share high nucleotide similarity.
  • Adsorption assays indicate host range is influenced by both phage adsorption and infection processes.

Conclusions:

  • The isolated phages SP5 and SP6 show promise as agents against S. aureus.
  • Genomic comparison suggests lysogenic/lytic control modules and tail proteins are key to phage host specificity.
  • Phage therapy presents a viable alternative for managing MRSA infections.

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