Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Novel Silviavirus phages with broad-host-range activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from
Karthika Raveendran1, Sifana Sharaf1, Ammu Lakshmi D1
1Microbiology Fermentation and Biotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Matsyapuri Post, Willingdon Island, Cochin, 682029, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses significant challenges to global health, attributed to their ability to resist multiple antibiotic classes. In the current situation, phage-based biocontrol strategies offer a promising alternative, leveraging their high specificity and efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The present study reports the phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of three broad-host-range MRSA phages: φCIFT_MFB_MRSA12, φCIFT_MFB_MRSA28, and φCIFT_MFB_MRSA32 for their application in seafood safety. The phages exhibited burst sizes ranging from 75 to 107 PFU/cell and burst periods of 80-90 min. The thermal and pH stability studies indicated that φCIFT_MFB_MRSA12 exhibited the highest thermal stability (- 20 to 60 °C), while φCIFT_MFB_MRSA28 demonstrated the widest pH tolerance (pH 3-12). The genomic analysis indicated that the phages possessed linear double-stranded DNA ranging from 141,193 to 141,505 bp, with large direct terminal repeats (DTRs) of 10,893 bp and various coding and non-coding genes (group-I introns, HEARO, and RAGATH). The comparative genome analysis revealed that three phages were found to be closely related to Silviavirus phages of the Herelleviridae family and differed with respect to tail fiber proteins, Ig domain-like carbohydrate-binding domains, and certain hypothetical proteins. Interestingly, the intergenomic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the phages belonged to a novel species. Importantly, the genomes lacked virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, or lysogenic determinants, supporting their safety in biocontrol strategies. The three Silviavirus phages could be potential candidates for the biocontrol of MRSA in seafood supply chains, thereby contributing to food safety and security.
Insights
Three novel phages show promise for controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in seafood. These specific viruses are safe and effective for biocontrol, enhancing food safety and security.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Genomics
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a global health threat due to antibiotic resistance.
- Phage therapy offers a specific and effective alternative for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize three broad-host-range MRSA phages for potential use in seafood safety.
- To evaluate their phenotypic and genotypic properties for biocontrol applications.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analysis including burst size, burst period, thermal, and pH stability.
- Genomic characterization involving DNA sequencing and comparative genome analysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine phage species and novelty.
Main Results:
- Phages exhibited burst sizes of 75-107 PFU/cell and burst periods of 80-90 min.
- φCIFT_MFB_MRSA12 showed high thermal stability (-20 to 60°C), and φCIFT_MFB_MRSA28 had wide pH tolerance (3-12).
- Genomic analysis revealed large dsDNA genomes, relatedness to Silviavirus, and identified them as a novel species lacking virulence or resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- The characterized phages are safe and suitable candidates for MRSA biocontrol in seafood.
- These phages can contribute to improved food safety and security in the seafood supply chain.
