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Characterization of a new podovirus infecting Paenibacillus larvae
Henrique G Ribeiro1, Luís D R Melo1, Hugo Oliveira1
1CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
Abstract:
The Paenibacillus larvae infecting phage API480 (vB_PlaP_API480) is the first reported podovirus for this bacterial species, with an 58 nm icosahedral capsid and a 12 × 8 nm short, non-contractile tail. API480 encodes 77 coding sequences (CDSs) on its 45,026 bp dsDNA genome, of which 47 were confirmed using mass spectrometry. This phage has got very limited genomic and proteomic similarity to any other known ones registered in public databases, including P. larvae phages. Comparative genomics indicates API480 is a new species as it's a singleton with 28 unique proteins. Interestingly, the lysis module is highly conserved among P. larvae phages, containing a predicted endolysin and two putative holins. The well kept overall genomic organisation (from the structural and morphogenetic modules to the host lysis, DNA replication and metabolism related proteins) confirms a common evolutionary ancestor among P. larvae infecting phages. API480 is able to infect 69% of the 61 field strains with an ERIC I genotype, as well as ERIC II strains. Furthermore, this phage is very stable when exposed to high glucose concentrations and to larval gastrointestinal conditions. This highly-specific phage, with its broad lytic activity and stability in hive conditions, might potentially be used in the biocontrol of American Foulbrood (AFB).
Insights
The novel Paenibacillus larvae phage API480 shows broad lytic activity and stability, suggesting its potential for biocontrol of American Foulbrood (AFB). This podovirus represents a new species with unique proteins but conserved lysis modules.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Paenibacillus larvae causes American Foulbrood (AFB), a significant threat to honeybee colonies.
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are being explored for antimicrobial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the newly discovered Paenibacillus larvae infecting phage API480 (vB_PlaP_API480).
- To evaluate its genomic and proteomic features, lytic activity, and stability for potential biocontrol of AFB.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing and analysis of phage API480.
- Mass spectrometry to confirm coding sequences (CDSs).
- Comparative genomics with known P. larvae phages.
- In vitro testing of lytic activity against field strains and stability under various conditions.
Main Results:
- Phage API480 is the first reported podovirus infecting P. larvae, with a distinct icosahedral capsid and short tail.
- Its genome (45,026 bp dsDNA) encodes 77 CDSs, with 47 confirmed by mass spectrometry; it shows limited similarity to other phages, classifying it as a new species.
- API480 infects 69% of tested ERIC I and ERIC II P. larvae strains and demonstrates high stability in glucose and larval gut conditions.
Conclusions:
- Phage API480 represents a new species of P. larvae phage with unique genomic characteristics.
- Its broad lytic spectrum and stability in environmental conditions make it a promising candidate for the biocontrol of American Foulbrood (AFB).
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