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JD419, a Staphylococcus aureus Phage With a Unique Morphology and Broad Host Range
Tingting Feng1, Sebastian Leptihn2, Ke Dong3,4
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|May 10, 2021
Summary
A novel bacteriophage, JD219, effectively targets multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains. Its genome lacks virulence genes, and it maintains stability under physiological conditions, showing therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Research
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly methicillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a significant global health threat due to limited effective antibiotic options.
- Bacteriophage therapy is emerging as a promising alternative to combat these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage with broad-spectrum activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
- To evaluate the safety and stability of the isolated phage for potential therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage JD219 from clinical samples.
- Determination of host range against 138 clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains, including MRSA.
- Assessment of phage stability at various pH and temperature conditions.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to identify virulence or antibiotic resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophage JD219 demonstrated a broad host range, infecting 61 out of 138 clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains, including MRSA.
- The phage exhibited unique morphology with an elongated capsid and flexible tail.
- JD219 remained infectious within a physiological pH range (6.0-8.0) and temperatures below 50°C.
- Genome sequencing revealed a 45,509 bp genome with 65 ORFs, none homologous to known virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, indicating it is a temperate phage.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage JD219 is a promising candidate for phage therapy against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Its genetic stability and lack of virulence factors, combined with broad host activity, support its therapeutic potential.
- Further genetic engineering could optimize JD219 for enhanced therapeutic efficacy by preventing lysogeny.
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