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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
Published on: May 26, 2013
Isolation, characterization, and comparative genomic analysis of vB_PlaP_SV21, new bacteriophage of Paenibacillus
Arif Bozdeveci1, Rahşan Akpınar2, Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu1
1Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.
Abstract:
Paenibacillus larvae cause an American foulbrood disease (AFB) that is responsible for the extinction of honeybee colonies and is a honeybee bacterial disease that has to be obligatory notified worldwide. Recently, bacteriophage studies targeting Paenibacillus larvae have emerged as a promising alternative treatment method. The inability of bacteria to create resistance against bacteriophages makes this method advantageous. As a consequence, this study was conducted to describe the genome and biological characteristics of a novel phage capable of lysing Paenibacillus larvae samples isolated from honeybee larva samples in Turkey. The Paenibacillus phage SV21 (vB_PlaP_SV21) was isolated by inducing Paenibacillus larvae strain SV21 with Mitomycin-C. Whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and phylogenetic analysis of vB_PlaP_SV21 were performed. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that vB_PlaP_SV21 phage was a Podovirus morphology. The vB_PlaP_SV21 phage specific for Paenibacillus larvae was determined to belong to the Podoviridae family. Host range and specificity, burst size, lytic activity, and morphological characteristics of the phage were determined. Bioinformatic analysis of the Paenibacillus phage SV21 showed 77 coding sequences in its linear 44,949 bp dsDNA genome with a GC content of 39.33%. In this study, we analysed the genomes of all of the currently sequenced P. larvae phage genomes and classified them into five clusters and a singleton. According to molecular, morphological, and bioinformatics results, ıt was observed that API480 (podovirus), which was reported as a singleton in previous studies and public databases, and Paenibacillus phage SV21 phage could form a new cluster together.
Insights
A novel bacteriophage, Paenibacillus phage SV21, effectively lyses Paenibacillus larvae, the bacteria causing American foulbrood disease in honeybees. This phage shows potential as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics for controlling this devastating honeybee pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Apiculture
Background:
- American foulbrood (AFB) is a severe bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae, leading to significant honeybee colony losses worldwide.
- Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising, resistance-proof alternative for controlling bacterial infections in honeybees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, characterize, and sequence a novel bacteriophage targeting Paenibacillus larvae.
- To evaluate the potential of this bacteriophage as a biocontrol agent against AFB.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Paenibacillus phage SV21 from infected honeybee larvae.
- Whole-genome sequencing, transmission electron microscopy, and comparative genomics.
- Analysis of host range, lytic activity, burst size, and phylogenetic relationships.
Main Results:
- Paenibacillus phage SV21 (vB_PlaP_SV21) was identified as a Podovirus with a linear dsDNA genome of 44,949 bp.
- The phage demonstrated specific lytic activity against Paenibacillus larvae.
- Phylogenetic analysis suggested a new cluster classification for vB_PlaP_SV21 and another singleton phage.
Conclusions:
- Paenibacillus phage SV21 is a viable candidate for bacteriophage therapy against American foulbrood.
- Further research into phage-host interactions and field applications is warranted for effective AFB control.
