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Published on: December 29, 2015
Complete genome sequence of Bacillus subtilis phage fHSPT3
Tushar Midha1, Aaina Choudhary1, Somesh Baranwal1
1Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, VPO Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
Abstract:
Here, we describe a Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage isolated from sewage water. The phage fHSPT3 was isolated against the host Bacillus subtilis 168 and has a genome size of 150,187 bp with 221 protein-coding sequences. The fHSPT3 belongs to the genus Siophivirus, lacks virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, and shows a virulent life cycle predicted through PhageScope and PhageAI.
Insights
Researchers isolated the bacteriophage fHSPT3 from sewage, targeting Bacillus subtilis. This phage has a large genome and a predicted virulent life cycle, lacking antibiotic resistance genes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and are abundant in various environments, including sewage.
- Bacillus subtilis is a common soil bacterium with industrial and probiotic applications.
- Phage characterization is crucial for understanding microbial ecosystems and developing phage-based applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage from sewage targeting Bacillus subtilis.
- To determine the genomic features and taxonomic classification of the isolated phage.
- To predict the life cycle and identify potential genetic traits like virulence or antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophage fHSPT3 from sewage samples using Bacillus subtilis 168 as the host.
- Genomic sequencing to determine genome size and identify protein-coding sequences.
- Bioinformatic analyses using PhageScope and PhageAI for taxonomic classification and life cycle prediction.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a novel bacteriophage, designated fHSPT3, from sewage.
- Determination of a genome size of 150,187 bp encoding 221 protein-coding sequences.
- Classification of fHSPT3 within the Siophivirus genus, with predicted virulent life cycle and absence of virulence/antibiotic resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- The isolated bacteriophage fHSPT3 is a novel Siophivirus with a large genome.
- fHSPT3 lacks genes associated with virulence or antibiotic resistance, suggesting potential for safe application.
- Further studies are warranted to explore the lytic activity and biotechnological potential of fHSPT3.
