Characterization and genome analysis of the Klebsiella webervirus vB_KpnS_2146-302

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Genomics

Background:

• Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen causing significant hospital-acquired infections.
• Antimicrobial resistance necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Bacteriophages offer a promising avenue for targeted bacterial infection treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• To evaluate the biological properties and genomic features of the isolated phage.
• To assess the potential of this phage for therapeutic applications against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacteriophage from hospital wastewater.
• Transmission electron microscopy and genomic sequencing for phage characterization.
• One-step growth curve analysis, stability assays (pH, temperature), and host range determination.

Main Results:

• A novel Klebsiella pneumoniae-specific phage, vB_KpnS_2146-302, belonging to the Webervirus genus, was identified.
• The phage demonstrated a narrow host range, specific lytic activity, a latency period of 10 minutes, and a burst size of 1125 PFU/cell.
• Optimal stability was observed between pH 3-9 and 26-60°C; genome size is 50,299 bp with 76 ORFs.
• Phage adsorption involves the carbohydrate structure of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

• Phage vB_KpnS_2146-302 is a well-characterized bacteriophage with desirable biological properties.
• Its specific lytic activity and stability make it a strong candidate for phage therapy development.
• Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy in clinical settings for treating Klebsiella pneumoniae infections.