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Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the...
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In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
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The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects...
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Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...
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Bacteriophage secondary infection.

Stephen T Abedon1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, the Ohio State University, Mansfield, OH, 44906, USA, abedon.1@osu.edu.

Virologica Sinica
|January 18, 2015
PubMed
Summary

The term "secondary infection" in phage therapy has multiple meanings, causing confusion. Clarifying these definitions is crucial for the success of phage-mediated biocontrol of bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (phages) have a century-long history marked by excitement and controversy.
  • The concept of secondary infection in phage research is complex and has multiple interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the varying meanings and ambiguity associated with the term "secondary infection" in phage biology.
  • To highlight how different interpretations of secondary infection can impact phage therapy success.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and conceptual analysis of phage infection terminology.
  • Examination of historical and current usage of "secondary infection" in scientific literature.

Main Results:

  • "Secondary infection" is used synonymously with secondary adsorption, superinfection, coinfection, and mutual exclusion, leading to varied consequences like genetic exchange and reduced phage productivity.

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  • In epidemiology, "secondary infection" describes phage population growth during phage therapy or contamination, distinct from initial infections.

    • Conclusions:

    • The ambiguity surrounding "secondary infection" can significantly influence the effectiveness of phage therapy.
    • A clearer, standardized definition of secondary infection phenomena is needed for successful phage-mediated bacterial biocontrol.