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Identification and genomic comparison of temperate bacteriophages derived from emetic Bacillus cereus

Peiling Geng1,2, Shen Tian1, Zhiming Yuan1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.

Plos One
|September 9, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Prophages from emetic Bacillus cereus strains were sequenced, revealing genetic diversity and host specificity. One phage

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Emetic Bacillus cereus strains produce cereulide, causing foodborne illness.
  • Prophages, mobile genetic elements, are crucial for understanding pathogen evolution.
  • Investigating phages from emetic B. cereus aids in comprehending pathogen diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize temperate phages from cereulide-producing Bacillus cereus.
  • To analyze the genomic diversity and evolutionary relationships of these phages.
  • To explore the potential of phage-derived components for controlling pathogenic bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Induction and isolation of five temperate phages from emetic B. cereus.
  • Genomic sequencing of four induced phages.
  • Comparative genomic analysis and phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus phages.
  • Cloning and testing the lytic activity of an endolysin (LysPfEFR-4).

Main Results:

  • Four sequenced phages belong to the Siphoviridae family, exhibiting distinct head structures and replication strategies (phagemids or genome integration).
  • Genomic comparisons revealed conserved structures and core genes, indicating host spectrum specificity.
  • Phylogenetic analysis confirmed high similarity among phages from emetic B. cereus strains.
  • LysPfEFR-4 demonstrated lytic activity against emetic B. cereus and other pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Temperate phages from emetic B. cereus exhibit genetic diversity and host specificity.
  • The endolysin LysPfEFR-4 shows promise as a biocontrol agent against foodborne pathogens.
  • Phage research contributes to understanding the evolution of emetic B. cereus.

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