Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of a novel phage IME178 with lytic activity against Escherichia coli
1Center for Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Bacteriophages have been used in phage therapy for the treatment of bacterial infections. They are biological agents that used for management of diseases caused by resistant bacteria. As compared to antibiotics, phages can kill bacteria specifically. It requires more awareness about phage-host interactions by exploring new phages. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a conditional pathogen and cause infections like pneumonia and diarrhea in hospitalized patients. In the current research work, a virus IME178, a novel strain, was extracted from the sewage of hospital against the clinical E. coli of multidrug resistant nature. Genomic characterization and transmission electron microscopy have exhibited relation of phage to the Tequintavirus genus, Demerecviridae family. The Phage IME178's double-stranded DNA genome was 108588 bp long, with a GC content of 39%. The phage genome transcribes 155 open reading frames, 72 are hypothetical proteins, 81 have putative functions assigned to them, and two are unknown to any database. A total number of 19 tRNA genes were found in the genome of this phage. There were no genes associated with virulence or drug resistance in the phage genome. According to a comparative genomic analysis, the genomic sequence of phage IME178 is 91% identical to E. coli phage phiLLS (NC 047822.1). The phage's host range and one-step growth curve were also estimated. As per genomic and bioinformatics analysis findings, Phage IME178, a propitious biological agent that infects E. coli and have the potential to use in phage therapies.
Insights
Researchers discovered a novel bacteriophage, IME178, effective against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli). This phage shows promise for phage therapy as a targeted alternative to antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bacteriophages offer targeted treatment for bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a significant pathogen causing severe infections in hospitalized patients.
- Phage therapy requires continuous exploration of novel phages and understanding phage-host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage effective against multidrug-resistant E. coli.
- To evaluate the genomic features and potential therapeutic applications of the isolated phage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophage IME178 from hospital sewage targeting clinical E. coli isolates.
- Genomic characterization including DNA sequencing, GC content analysis, and open reading frame identification.
- Transmission electron microscopy for morphological analysis and comparative genomic analysis with known phages.
Main Results:
- Phage IME178, belonging to the Tequintavirus genus, possesses a 108,588 bp double-stranded DNA genome with 155 predicted open reading frames.
- No virulence or drug resistance genes were detected in the phage genome.
- Genomic analysis revealed 91% identity to E. coli phage phiLLS, and host range and growth curve experiments were successfully conducted.
Conclusions:
- Phage IME178 is a novel, propitious biological agent with the potential for use in phage therapy against E. coli infections.
- The characterized phage demonstrates specific infectivity and lacks genes associated with pathogenicity or resistance, making it a safe candidate.
- Further research into phage IME178 could lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating resistant bacterial infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
01:26DNA Bacteriophages