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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy
07:10

Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy

Published on: July 18, 2025

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Characterization and complete genome sequence of Privateer, a highly prolate Proteus mirabilis podophage

James E Corban1,2,3, Jolene Ramsey1,2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.

Peerj
|February 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study characterizes bacteriophage Privateer, a virus that infects Proteus mirabilis, a common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Privateer shows potential for therapeutic applications against these difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for numerous catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
  • CAUTIs represent a significant global burden of nosocomial infections.
  • Bacteriophages offer a potential alternative or adjunct to antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the P. mirabilis bacteriophage Privateer.
  • To analyze the genome and structural proteins of bacteriophage Privateer.
  • To assess the evolutionary relationships of Privateer with other known bacteriophages.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and basic characterization of bacteriophage Privateer from wastewater sludge.
  • Genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of 144 predicted genes.
  • LC-MS/MS analysis of purified bacteriophage particles to verify structural proteins.
  • Comparative genomic analysis with other bacteriophages.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriophage Privateer exhibits a latent period of approximately 40 minutes and a burst size of around 140.
  • The 90.7 kb genome contains genes for DNA replication, modification, lysis, and structural proteins.
  • LC-MS/MS confirmed predicted structural proteins, including a minor capsid protein possibly arising from translational frameshifting.
  • Privateer shares high nucleotide similarity with Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_009 but low similarity with other phages.
  • Structural proteins show evolutionary links to other prolate podophages, particularly Kuraviruses.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage Privateer is a novel prolate podophage with potential applications in combating P. mirabilis infections.
  • Its genomic and proteomic characteristics provide insights into phage evolution and diversity.
  • Privateer represents a promising candidate for phage therapy against CAUTIs.
Keywords:
BacteriophageGenomicsProlateProteusUrinary tract infection

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