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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy
Published on: July 18, 2025
Isolation and characterization of a group of new Proteus bacteriophages
V Morozova1, Yu Kozlova2, E Shedko2
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentieva Ave. 8, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. morozova@niboch.nsc.ru.
Abstract:
Four lytic Proteus bacteriophages, PM75, PM85, PM93, and PM116, which are active against multi-drug-resistant strains of P. mirabilis, were isolated from cattle and poultry samples. According to electron microscopy data, all of the investigated phages belonged to the family Podoviridae. They all demonstrated lytic activity against sensitive strains of P. mirabilis, and three of the phages, PM85, PM93, and PM116, are potential candidates for use in antibacterial treatment. The genomes and putative proteins of bacteriophages PM85, PM93, and PM116 were similar to those of Proteus phage vB_PmiP_Pm5460 [KP890822], and the investigated phages formed a distinct clade within the genus Sp6virus, subfamily Autographivirinae. The genome sequence of phage PM75 was similar to that of a previously described Proteus phage, PM16 [KF319020], and both of them demonstrated low nucleotide sequence identity to the genomes of the other most similar phages, namely, Vibrio phage VP93, Pantoea phage LIMElight, and KP34-like bacteriophages. According to cluster analysis of the complete genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis of the proteins essential for their life cycle, phages PM75 and PM16 are distinct from other similar phages from the phiKMV supergroup and should be recognized as constituting a new genus, "Pm16virus", within the subfamily Autographivirinae.
Insights
New bacteriophages targeting multi-drug-resistant Proteus mirabilis were discovered. Three phages show promise for antibacterial therapy, while one represents a new genus, Pm16virus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Proteus mirabilis poses a significant threat to public health.
- Bacteriophages offer a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating MDR bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel lytic bacteriophages active against MDR P. mirabilis strains.
- To investigate the genomic and phylogenetic relationships of the isolated phages.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophages from cattle and poultry samples.
- Electron microscopy for morphological classification.
- Genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis of essential viral proteins.
Main Results:
- Four lytic bacteriophages (PM75, PM85, PM93, PM116) were isolated, active against MDR P. mirabilis.
- All phages belong to the Podoviridae family.
- Phages PM85, PM93, and PM116 show potential for therapeutic use.
- Phages PM85, PM93, and PM116 are closely related to Proteus phage vB_PmiP_Pm5460.
- Phage PM75 and PM16 are phylogenetically distinct, warranting classification as a new genus, "Pm16virus".
Conclusions:
- The isolated bacteriophages are effective against MDR P. mirabilis.
- Phages PM85, PM93, and PM116 are promising candidates for phage therapy.
- Phage PM75 represents a novel genus, "Pm16virus", expanding our understanding of Proteus bacteriophages.
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