Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Siphophage Siara

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Genomics

Background:

• Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a growing cause of hospital-acquired infections.
• Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are potential tools for combating bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage, S. maltophilia siphophage Siara, infecting S. maltophilia.
• To perform whole-genome sequencing and annotation of the isolated phage.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of siphophage Siara from a relevant source.
• Whole-genome sequencing using next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Bioinformatic analysis for genome annotation and comparison.

Main Results:

• Successful isolation and characterization of S. maltophilia siphophage Siara.
• Determination of the complete genome sequence (61,427 bp).
• Comparative genomic analysis revealed Siara is closely related only to S. maltophilia phage Salva and not to any prophages.

Conclusions:

• Siphophage Siara represents a novel phage with a unique genomic profile.
• The findings contribute to understanding the diversity of S. maltophilia phages.
• This research lays the groundwork for potential phage-based therapeutic strategies against S. maltophilia infections.