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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
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

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.
Keywords:
Anti-bacterial agentsBacteriophagesEnterococcus faeciumGenome analysisProphages

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