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Published on: January 26, 2024
Characterization of a novel group I F-specific RNA bacteriophage isolated from human stool
Mingshu Yang1, Yongxin Yu1,2, Yongjie Wang3,4,5
1College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
A novel F-specific RNA bacteriophage (FRNAPH) YM1, affiliating to genogroup I (GI) of Levivirus, is isolated for the first time from human stool samples using double-layer agar plates with the Escherichia coli ATCC700891 as the host. The complete genomic sequence of YM1 is 3551 nt in length, obtained through next-generation sequencing, and contains four genes encoding for maturation protein, coat protein, lysis protein, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The genomic sequence of YM1 shares the highest similarity of 95.3% with that of a GI FRNAPH DL16 isolated from surface water of Great Bay. The YM1 possesses a non-enveloped, icosahedral virion of 23 ± 0.45 nm in diameter. One-step growth curve analysis shows that the burst time of YM1 is 30 min post-infection (p.i.) with the average burst size of 264 PFU/cell. The YM1 lyses only E. coli strains tested, revealing high host specificity. This newly discovered phage may serve as a candidate for viral indicator to monitor human enteric virus, especially norovirus, contamination in the environments.
Insights
A novel F-specific RNA bacteriophage (FRNAPH) named YM1 was isolated from human stool. This phage shows high specificity for Escherichia coli and could be a valuable indicator for environmental enteric virus contamination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPHs) are common in the environment.
- Levivirus genus includes important FRNAPHs.
- Human stool is a potential source for novel phage discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel FRNAPH from human stool.
- To determine the genomic and biological properties of the new phage.
- To evaluate its potential as a viral indicator.
Main Methods:
- Isolation using double-layer agar plates with Escherichia coli ATCC700891.
- Whole-genome sequencing using next-generation sequencing.
- Morphological characterization and one-step growth curve analysis.
Main Results:
- A novel FRNAPH, YM1, was isolated and identified as genogroup I (GI) Levivirus.
- The complete genome is 3551 nt, encoding four proteins: maturation, coat, lysis, and RdRp.
- YM1 shares 95.3% genomic similarity with GI FRNAPH DL16 and exhibits high host specificity for E. coli.
Conclusions:
- YM1 is a novel GI Levivirus isolated from human feces.
- Its characteristics suggest potential application as a viral indicator for enteric viruses like norovirus.
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