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Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins

Published on: June 11, 2015

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Genomic and Biological Insights of Bacteriophage ΦBc24 Targeting Bacillus cereus

Nam Khang Tran1,2, Pham Thi Lanh1, Trang Trinh Thu1

  • 1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.

Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|November 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, PhiBc24, was isolated and characterized for its ability to target the foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus. This robust phage shows potential for biocontrol applications against B. cereus.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Food Safety

Background:

  • Foodborne illnesses caused by Bacillus cereus pose a significant public health challenge.
  • Effective control strategies against B. cereus are crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage with lytic activity against B. cereus.
  • To evaluate the potential of the bacteriophage as a biocontrol agent.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophage from mud samples.
  • Transmission electron microscopy for morphotype analysis.
  • Biological assays for host range, lytic activity, and stability.
  • Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • A novel myovirus bacteriophage, PhiBc24, was isolated and showed efficient lytic activity against B. cereus.
  • PhiBc24 demonstrated high stability across a wide range of pH, temperature, salinity, and UV exposure.
  • Genomic analysis revealed no genes associated with lysogeny, virulence, or antimicrobial resistance, indicating genomic safety.

Conclusions:

  • PhiBc24 exhibits robust biological and genomic characteristics, making it a promising candidate for biocontrol.
  • The phage's safety profile supports its potential application in controlling foodborne Bacillus cereus.
Keywords:
BastillevirinaeCaeruleovirusHerelleviridaebiocontrolfood contaminationphage therapy

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