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Characterization of a novel bacteriophage, Phda1, infecting the histamine-producing Photobacterium damselae subsp.

S Yamaki1, Y Kawai1, K Yamazaki1

  • 1Laboratory of Marine Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Minato, Hakodate, Japan.

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|March 27, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, Phda1, specifically targets and inhibits the growth of histamine-producing Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae. This discovery offers a potential new strategy for preventing histamine poisoning in seafood.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriophage research
  • Food safety

Background:

  • Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae is a significant source of histamine in seafood.
  • Histamine accumulation by this bacterium can lead to foodborne illness (scombroid poisoning).
  • Effective control strategies for this pathogen are crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a bacteriophage capable of infecting P. damselae subsp. damselae.
  • To evaluate the potential of this bacteriophage as a biocontrol agent against P. damselae subsp. damselae.
  • To assess the bacteriophage's efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth and histamine production.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophage Phda1 from raw oysters.
  • Host range determination, morphological analysis, and genome size estimation of Phda1.
  • One-step growth curve analysis and in vitro challenge tests to assess Phda1's lytic activity and impact on histamine production.

Main Results:

  • Phda1 was isolated and identified as a Myoviridae family bacteriophage with a genome size of 35.2–39.5 kb.
  • Phda1 exhibited specific lytic activity against P. damselae subsp. damselae, with a latent period of 60 min and a burst size of 19 PFU/cell.
  • Phda1 treatment significantly delayed bacterial growth and reduced histamine accumulation in vitro, with optimal propagation in the presence of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+).

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage Phda1 is a promising candidate for controlling P. damselae subsp. damselae.
  • Phda1 demonstrates potential as a novel antimicrobial agent to mitigate histamine poisoning.
  • This study highlights bacteriophage therapy as a viable approach for preventing histamine contamination in food products.
Keywords:
MyoviridaePhotobacterium damselae subsp. damselaebacteriophagehistamine poisoningphage therapy

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