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Isolation of Salmonella typhimurium-containing Phagosomes from Macrophages
Published on: October 25, 2017
Isolation and Characterization of Salmonella Jumbo-Phage pSal-SNUABM-04
Jun Kwon1, Sang Guen Kim1, Hyoun Joong Kim1
1Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
Abstract:
The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a global issue. Therefore, many researchers have attempted to develop alternative antibiotics. One promising alternative is bacteriophage. In this study, we focused on a jumbo-phage infecting Salmonella isolated from exotic pet markets. Using a Salmonella strain isolated from reptiles as a host, we isolated and characterized the novel jumbo-bacteriophage pSal-SNUABM-04. This phage was investigated in terms of its morphology, host infectivity, growth and lysis kinetics, and genome. The phage was classified as Myoviridae based on its morphological traits and showed a comparatively wide host range. The lysis efficacy test showed that the phage can inhibit bacterial growth in the planktonic state. Genetic analysis revealed that the phage possesses a 239,626-base pair genome with 280 putative open reading frames, 76 of which have a predicted function and 195 of which have none. By genome comparison with other jumbo phages, the phage was designated as a novel member of Machinavirus composed of Erwnina phages.
Insights
Researchers discovered a novel jumbo bacteriophage, pSal-SNUABM-04, effective against Salmonella. This phage shows potential as an alternative to antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Bacteriophages are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
- Salmonella infections pose a significant threat, particularly in food and animal industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel jumbo bacteriophage targeting Salmonella.
- To evaluate the potential of this bacteriophage as a therapeutic agent against Salmonella infections.
- To investigate the genomic and morphological features of the newly discovered phage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of bacteriophage from environmental samples.
- Host range determination and infectivity assays using Salmonella strains.
- Morphological characterization using electron microscopy.
- Genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
- Lysis kinetics and growth inhibition assays.
Main Results:
- A novel jumbo bacteriophage, designated pSal-SNUABM-04, was isolated and characterized.
- The phage belongs to the Myoviridae family and exhibits a broad host range against Salmonella.
- pSal-SNUABM-04 demonstrated significant efficacy in inhibiting planktonic Salmonella growth.
- Genomic analysis revealed a 239,626 bp genome, classifying it as a novel Machinavirus member.
Conclusions:
- The novel jumbo bacteriophage pSal-SNUABM-04 is a promising candidate for phage therapy against Salmonella.
- Its broad host range and lytic activity offer a viable alternative to antibiotics.
- Further research into its application in controlling Salmonella is warranted.
