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Published on: June 28, 2024
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Bacteriophage specificity is impacted by interactions between bacteria
Ave T Bisesi1, Wolfram Möbius2,3, Carey D Nadell4
1Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Msystems
|February 20, 2024
Summary
Bacterial interactions shape bacteriophage (phage) predator strategies. Competing bacteria favor generalist phages, while mutualistic bacteria favor specialists, influencing microbial community structure and phage evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and play a crucial role in structuring microbial communities.
- The specificity of phages—whether they are generalists infecting multiple bacterial species or specialists infecting one—has significant ecological implications.
- Understanding the factors that drive phage specificity is essential for predicting their impact on microbial ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how interactions between bacterial prey influence the evolution of bacteriophage specificity (generalism vs. specialism).
- To determine if mathematical models can predict phage strategy based on prey ecology.
- To experimentally test the model's predictions using a synthetic microbial community.
Main Methods:
- Developed a phenomenological mathematical model of phage and bacterial population dynamics.
- Created an in vitro experimental system with interacting strains of *Escherichia coli* and *Salmonella enterica*.
- Competed a generalist T5-like phage against an *S. enterica*-specific phage (P22vir) in the experimental system.
Main Results:
- Mathematical modeling indicated that generalist phages are favored when prey bacteria compete, while specialists dominate when prey engage in cross-feeding.
- Experimental results supported the model's predictions, showing that prey interactions significantly influence phage strategy.
- Observed that phage degradation and bacterial physiology also impact the optimal phage strategy, suggesting complex trade-offs for generalism.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial interactions are a key factor shaping ecological selection on bacteriophage specificity in lytic systems.
- The study highlights the diverse mechanisms underlying fitness trade-offs in phage evolution.
- Findings enhance understanding of microbial community dynamics and inform potential phage-based strategies for managing infections.
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