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Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas Phage Pokken

Ashley Hayden1,2, Nicholas Martinez1, Russell Moreland1

  • 1Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.

Microbiology Resource Announcements
|October 19, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered Pokken, a novel podophage targeting Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This bacteriophage offers potential for combating multidrug-resistant infections in vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections.
  • These infections pose significant risks to immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and characterize a novel bacteriophage, named Pokken, that infects Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • To analyze the genomic features of the newly identified podophage.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of the podophage Pokken from its host bacterium.
  • Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the Pokken genome.

Main Results:

  • The genome of podophage Pokken was sequenced, measuring 76,239 base pairs.
  • The genome contains predictions for 92 protein-coding genes and 5 tRNA genes.
  • Genomic analysis revealed similarities between Pokken and the N4 phage.

Conclusions:

  • Podophage Pokken represents a new potential therapeutic agent against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections.
  • The genomic characteristics of Pokken provide insights into phage-host interactions and phage evolution.

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