Escherichia coli phage phi2013: genomic analysis and receptor identification

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Virology

Background:

• Escherichia coli is a significant foodborne pathogen causing severe human illness.
• Controlling E. coli contamination in food is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage, phi2013, targeting Escherichia coli.
• To evaluate the potential of phage phi2013 as a biocontrol agent for food products.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of phage phi2013.
• Transmission electron microscopy for morphology.
• Genome sequencing and analysis.
• Receptor identification (FhuA).
• In-food efficacy testing (milk, beef, lettuce).

Main Results:

• Phage phi2013 is a siphovirus with a 49,833 bp dsDNA genome and 79 predicted genes.
• No antibiotic resistance or virulence genes were found in the phage genome.
• FhuA was identified as the receptor for phage phi2013.
• Phage phi2013 efficiently inhibited E. coli growth in milk, beef, and lettuce at 4°C and 25°C.

Conclusions:

• Phage phi2013 is a safe and effective lytic virus specific to E. coli.
• Phage phi2013 demonstrates significant potential for controlling E. coli in food.
• Phage phi2013 can be utilized to extend the shelf-life of food products.