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A physical analysis of the prophage of Proteus mirabilis PM5006

A C Steyn1, G H Pretorius

  • 1Department of Haematology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.

The Journal of General Virology
|November 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Proteus mirabilis phage 5006M was studied as a prophage using DNA hybridization. Researchers mapped the prophage and pinpointed its integration site, refuting previous claims of it being cryptic.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium known for its swarming motility.
  • Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria and can exist in lytic or lysogenic cycles.
  • Prophages are the integrated form of a bacteriophage within the bacterial host genome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prophage nature of Proteus mirabilis phage 5006M.
  • To establish a physical map of the prophage genome.
  • To determine the integration site of the prophage within the P. mirabilis host.

Main Methods:

  • DNA hybridization techniques were employed to analyze the phage DNA.
  • Physical mapping of the prophage was conducted.
  • Localization of the integration site on the phage genome was performed.

Main Results:

  • The investigation confirmed the prophage status of Proteus mirabilis phage 5006M.
  • A detailed physical map of the prophage was successfully constructed.
  • The specific site of integration within the P. mirabilis genome was identified.
  • Previous reports suggesting the phage is cryptic in P. mirabilis were not supported by these findings.

Conclusions:

  • Proteus mirabilis phage 5006M can exist as a prophage.
  • The physical mapping and integration site analysis provide crucial genomic information.
  • The cryptic nature of this phage in P. mirabilis is questionable based on this study.

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