A generalized transducing phage of Pseudomonas cepacia

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Virology

Background:

• Pseudomonas cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen.
• Bacteriophages can mediate horizontal gene transfer.
• Generalized transduction allows for the transfer of any bacterial gene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel generalized transducing phage, CP75.
• To assess the host range and transduction efficiency of CP75.
• To determine the genome size of CP75.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of a generalized transducing phage (CP75) from a lysogenic Pseudomonas cepacia strain.
• Determination of transduction frequency per phage particle.
• Assessment of phage sensitivity across a panel of P. cepacia strains.
• Estimation of the CP75 phage genome size.

Main Results:

• A generalized transducing phage, CP75, was successfully derived.
• Transduction frequency ranged from 1.0 x 10(-6) to 2.0 x 10(-6) per phage particle.
• Approximately 50% of 105 tested P. cepacia strains were sensitive to CP75.
• The molecular size of the CP75 genome was determined to be approximately 52 kb.

Conclusions:

• CP75 is a viable generalized transducing phage for Pseudomonas cepacia.
• The phage exhibits a moderate host range within P. cepacia.
• The characterized genome size provides a basis for further genetic studies of CP75.