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Phylogenetic Relationships and Evolution of the Genus Eganvirus (186-Type) Yersinia pestis Bacteriophages

Jin Guo1,2, Youhong Zhong3,4, Yiting Wang1,2

  • 1National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Changping, Beijing 102206, China.

Viruses
|May 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified fourteen new phages related to phage 186, finding most belong to the Eganvirus genus. These phages, isolated from dogs, may contribute to canine resistance against Yersinia pestis infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Plague, a disease caused by Yersinia pestis, is a significant public health concern.
  • Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are increasingly studied for their therapeutic potential and ecological roles.
  • Phage 186 is a well-characterized bacteriophage with implications in bacterial genetics and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize novel 186-type bacteriophages.
  • To elucidate the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships among these phages and related species.
  • To investigate the potential role of these phages in the resistance of Canidae to Yersinia pestis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and lytic activity testing of phages against Enterobacteriaceae strains.
  • Whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis, including average nucleotide identity (ANI) and collinearity.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of conserved structural genes (V, T, R, Q) and regulatory genes (cI, apl, cII, int).

Main Results:

  • Fourteen phages with sequence similarity to phage 186 were isolated, exhibiting varied lytic abilities.
  • Phylogenetic analysis placed thirteen phages in the Eganvirus genus and one in the Felsduovirus genus (family Peduoviridae).
  • Whole-genome and structural gene analyses showed stable phylogenetic relationships, while regulatory genes indicated homologous recombination.

Conclusions:

  • The newly isolated phages represent diverse lineages within Peduoviridae, with Eganvirus phages forming distinct subgroups.
  • Evidence of homologous recombination in regulatory genes suggests complex evolutionary dynamics.
  • The prevalence of these phages in dogs suggests a potential link between phage distribution and canine resistance to Yersinia pestis.
Keywords:
186-type bacteriophagesYersinia pestisapl and cII genescIgenus Eganvirusintegrasephylogenetic analysis

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