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Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
08:34

Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes

Published on: September 27, 2018

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Characterization of Prophages and Their Genetic Cargo in Clinical M. abscessus Isolates

Sichun Luan1, Yu Chen1, Na Li1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai 200032, China.

Microorganisms
|September 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium abscessus commonly carries prophages, which are genetic elements that can increase virulence and antibiotic resistance. These prophages are diverse and their clinical impact requires further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Limited data exist on lysogenic phages in Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus).
  • The roles of these phages in M. abscessus-related diseases are not well understood.
  • Understanding phage content is crucial for M. abscessus pathogenesis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of prophages in M. abscessus strains.
  • To analyze the association of prophages with virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes.
  • To explore the relationship between prophages and clinical outcomes in patients.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of M. abscessus strains from patients.
  • Prediction of prophage sequences, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes.
  • Comparative analysis of prophage sequences within and between patients and against known phages.

Main Results:

  • 145 prophage sequences were identified in 56 M. abscessus strains.
  • Prophages carried more virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes than known mycobacteriophages.
  • Prophage sequences from the same patient showed higher similarity compared to those from different patients or known phages.

Conclusions:

  • M. abscessus frequently harbors prophages.
  • These prophages are enriched with virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.
  • The clinical significance of these prophages warrants further research.
Keywords:
Mycobacterium abscessusgenome sequencingprophage

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