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Characterization and lytic activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens phages from sewage

Ananthi Radhakrishnan1, M Ananthasubramanian

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Technology , Coimbatore , India.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology : [Publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
|September 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophages targeting Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated from sewage. One abundant phage exhibited a broad host range, distinct characteristics, and no efficacy against soil-borne P. fluorescens isolates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Pseudomonas fluorescens is a common soil and water bacterium.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and can be found in various environments, including sewage.
  • Understanding phage diversity and host interactions is crucial for ecological and potential biotechnological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize bacteriophages targeting Pseudomonas fluorescens from sewage.
  • To investigate the diversity of these phages based on host range, morphology, protein, and genome profiles.
  • To assess the potential of sewage-derived phages for controlling P. fluorescens in soil environments.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of phages from sewage samples.
  • Characterization of phages including host range determination against P. fluorescens isolates from soil and sewage.
  • Analysis of phage morphology using electron microscopy (implied).
  • Determination of structural proteins using electrophoresis (implied).
  • Genome fingerprinting using DNA restriction analysis.

Main Results:

  • Seven Pseudomonas fluorescens phages were isolated from sewage.
  • One phage was particularly abundant (5.9×10(7) pfu/mL) and displayed a broad host range.
  • This abundant phage possessed distinct protein and DNA profiles compared to the other six isolates.
  • Morphological, protein, and DNA analyses revealed significant diversity among the isolated phages.
  • None of the isolated phages were effective against P. fluorescens isolates from the rhizosphere of cultivated soils.

Conclusions:

  • Sewage harbors diverse Pseudomonas fluorescens phages with varying characteristics.
  • A specific abundant phage shows potential due to its broad host range but limited application against soil-dwelling P. fluorescens.
  • The study highlights the ecological diversity of phages in sewage environments.
  • Further research is needed to explore phage applications in controlling plant-associated P. fluorescens.
Keywords:
AFMProtein analysisPseudomonas fluorescensRFLPphages

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