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Genome Analysis of the Enterococcus faecium Entfac.YE Prophage
Yara Elahi1, Ramin Mazaheri Nezhad Fard2, Arash Seifi3
1Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology
|May 5, 2022
Summary
Bacteriophages, viruses infecting bacteria, were analyzed in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Genome sequencing revealed 88 prophage genes, offering insights into bacterial evolution and antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are prevalent in environments like wastewater.
- These viruses can transfer antibiotic resistance genes to bacteria by integrating as prophages.
- Enterococci, particularly vancomycin-resistant strains, are a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prophage content within a clinical isolate of Enterococcus faecium.
- To analyze the genetic makeup of integrated bacteriophages and their potential role in bacterial evolution.
Main Methods:
- Enterococcal isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques.
- Bacteriophages were extracted from water sources and applied to Enterococcus faecium.
- Whole-genome sequencing of the bacterial isolate was performed to identify and analyze prophage DNA.
Main Results:
- The genome of the clinical isolate *E. faecium* EntfacYE contained 88 prophage genes.
- These genes were categorized into replication, regulation, structure, packaging, and lysis functions.
- A significant portion (26 genes) of the prophage content had unknown functions.
Conclusions:
- Genome analysis of prophages provides valuable insights into their role in bacterial evolution.
- Understanding prophage-host interactions is crucial for deciphering mechanisms of antibiotic resistance spread.
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