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Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Podophage Piffle
Megan Kirchhoff1, Carlos Ortega1, James Clark1,2
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging multidrug-resistant opportunistic human pathogen causing various nosocomial infections. Here, we characterize the genome of S. maltophilia podophage Piffle. Its 76,332-bp genome is most closely related to the N4-like S. maltophilia podophage Pokken, with over 86% genome-wide nucleotide identity and 84 shared proteins.
Insights
We sequenced the genome of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia podophage Piffle, revealing its close genetic relationship to the N4-like podophage Pokken. This finding aids in understanding phage diversity and potential applications against bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Virology
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections.
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are being explored for therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genome of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia podophage Piffle.
- To determine the phylogenetic relationship of Piffle to other known phages.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of podophage Piffle.
- Comparative genomic analysis with related phages, including Pokken.
- Bioinformatic analysis of shared proteins and nucleotide identity.
Main Results:
- The genome of Piffle is 76,332 base pairs in length.
- Piffle shares over 86% genome-wide nucleotide identity with S. maltophilia podophage Pokken.
- 84 proteins are shared between Piffle and Pokken, indicating close evolutionary relatedness.
Conclusions:
- Podophage Piffle represents a novel strain closely related to the N4-like phage group.
- Genomic characterization of Piffle provides insights into S. maltophilia-infecting phage diversity.
- Understanding these phage-host interactions is crucial for developing phage-based therapies against S. maltophilia infections.
