Isolation of F-specific Inovirus filamentous phages from environmental sewage samples

Bacteriophage (phage) isolation from various environmental sources is an important step in identifying phages suitable for therapeutic and/or research purposes. Most published protocols outlining phage isolation techniques focus on the identification and/or characterization of strictly lytic phages. Here, a simple, adapted protocol specific for the isolation of non-lytic, filamentous phages is described. This method can be used in laboratories with access to basic microbiological equipment. Briefly, the adapted protocol steps involve:•Phage enrichment with F-pilus expressing bacterial host and sewage filtrate•Dilution and agar overlay plating of enriched culture•Selection of hazy, turbid plaques followed by screening via PCR.