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Characterization of persistent virus-like particles in two acetate-fed methanogenic reactors
I-Chieh Chien1, John Scott Meschke, Heidi L Gough
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Plos One
|November 27, 2013
Summary
This study characterized virus-like particles (VLPs) in Methanosaeta-dominated reactors, finding distinct viral populations in each. These findings suggest active VLP propagation and potential interactions with archaeal hosts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Acetate-fed bioreactors are often dominated by Methanosaeta archaea.
- Understanding virus-archaea interactions is crucial for microbial ecology.
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) are key players in microbial population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize virus-like particles (VLPs) in Methanosaeta-dominated reactors.
- To investigate the correlation between viruses and archaeal hosts.
- To determine VLP morphology, size distribution, concentration, and genome size.
Main Methods:
- Epifluorescent microscopy for VLP concentration.
- Transmission electron microscopy for VLP morphology.
- Analysis of VLP size distribution and genome size.
Main Results:
- VLP concentrations were approximately 7-8 × 10^7 VLPs/ml.
- VLPs exhibited morphologies consistent with Siphoviridae and Myoviridae.
- Distinct VLP populations were observed in each reactor, indicating unique viral communities.
Conclusions:
- VLPs were actively propagating within the reactors.
- The observed VLP populations likely represent unique viral communities specific to each reactor.
- The specific archaeal hosts for these VLPs remain unidentified.
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