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Complete genome sequence of a novel, virulent Ahjdlikevirus bacteriophage that infects Enterococcus faecium

Shaozhen Xing1, Xianglilan Zhang2, Qiang Sun2

  • 1Life Science Institute, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, Hebei, China.

Archives of Virology
|August 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, vB_EfaP_IME199, was discovered that infects Enterococcus faecium. This virulent phage has a unique dsDNA genome, suggesting it represents a new phage genus.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecium is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Bacteriophages offer potential therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage targeting Enterococcus faecium.
  • To analyze the genomic and phylogenetic properties of the newly discovered phage.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and purification of bacteriophage vB_EfaP_IME199.
  • High-throughput sequencing for genome analysis.
  • Phylogenetic analysis for taxonomic classification.

Main Results:

  • Isolated a virulent bacteriophage, vB_EfaP_IME199, with a 30-minute outbreak period.
  • Determined the phage possesses a 18,838 bp dsDNA genome with 22 open reading frames.
  • Genome exhibits low homology to existing databases, indicating novelty.
  • Phylogenetic analysis places it as a new member of the Ahjdlikevirus genus, family Podoviridae.

Conclusions:

  • vB_EfaP_IME199 is a novel virulent bacteriophage with potential applications in combating Enterococcus faecium infections.
  • Its unique genomic characteristics warrant further investigation and classification.

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