Complete Genome Sequences of Broad-Host-Range Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteriophages ΦR18 and ΦS12-1

Takaaki Furusawa1, Hidetomo Iwano2, Hidetoshi Higuchi3

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan.

Insights

Two novel bacteriophages, ΦR18 and ΦS12-1, were sequenced. These phages show promise for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, a common cause of racehorse keratitis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen causing keratitis in horses.
  • Bacteriophage therapy offers a potential alternative or adjunct to antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the complete genome sequences of two bacteriophages, ΦR18 and ΦS12-1.
  • To assess the infectivity of these phages against a diverse range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of bacteriophages ΦR18 and ΦS12-1.
  • In vitro characterization of phage infectivity against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Main Results:

  • The complete genome sequences for bacteriophages ΦR18 and ΦS12-1 were successfully obtained.
  • Both phages demonstrated infectivity against a broad spectrum of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates relevant to equine keratitis.

Conclusions:

  • Phages ΦR18 and ΦS12-1 possess genomes that confer broad-spectrum activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • These phages represent promising candidates for the development of phage therapy for racehorse keratitis.

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