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Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
Characterization and complete genome analysis of a novel Escherichia phage, vB_EcoM-RPN242
Napakhwan Imklin1, Pattaraporn Sriprasong1, Narut Thanantong2
1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Sanamchandra Palace Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand.
Abstract:
The novel Escherichia phage vB_EcoM-RPN242 was isolated using a strain of Escherichia coli originating from a diarrheic piglet as a host. The phage was able to form plaques on the E. coli lawn at 15-45 °C. Moreover, it was stable over a wide pH (4-10) and temperature (4-70 °C) range. The vB_EcoM-RPN242 genome was found to be a linear, double-stranded DNA consisting of 154,840 base pairs. There were 195 protein-encoding genes and two tRNAs detected in the genome; however, no genes associated with virulence, toxins or antimicrobial resistance were found. According to overall nucleotide sequence comparisons, vB_EcoM-RPN242 possibly represents a new species in the genus Agtrevirus.
Insights
A novel Escherichia phage, vB_EcoM-RPN242, was discovered from a piglet E. coli strain. This phage exhibits broad temperature and pH stability and lacks virulence genes, suggesting potential as a therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriophage Research
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections in livestock can cause significant economic losses.
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are being explored as alternatives to antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel Escherichia phage for potential therapeutic applications.
- To determine the genomic and stability properties of the isolated phage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophage vB_EcoM-RPN242 using an E. coli strain from a diarrheic piglet.
- Plaque assays to determine optimal growth temperature.
- Stability testing across a range of pH and temperatures.
- Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
Main Results:
- Phage vB_EcoM-RPN242 demonstrated plaque formation at 15-45°C.
- The phage exhibited stability over a wide pH range (4-10) and temperature range (4-70°C).
- The genome is linear double-stranded DNA (154,840 bp) with 195 protein-encoding genes and 2 tRNAs, lacking virulence, toxin, or antimicrobial resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- Phage vB_EcoM-RPN242 is a robust phage with a broad stability profile.
- The absence of virulence and resistance genes suggests its potential for safe application.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates vB_EcoM-RPN242 may represent a new species within the Agtrevirus genus.
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