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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 functional characterization of a novel temperate Coventryvirus phage infecting Staphylococcus

Patoo Withatanung1, Sukanya Apiratwarrasakul2, Pathomporn Sresuwadjarey2

  • 1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Scientific Reports
|December 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, vB_SpsS_VL4 (VL4), effectively targets methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) infections. This phage suppresses bacterial growth, inhibits biofilm formation, and shows potential for therapeutic development.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Bacteriophage Therapy

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is a multidrug-resistant zoonotic pathogen.
  • MRSP exhibits significant biofilm-forming capabilities, complicating treatment strategies.
  • There is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches against MRSP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage for targeting MRSP.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of the isolated phage against MRSP growth and biofilm formation.
  • To assess the phage's potential for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophage vB_SpsS_VL4 (VL4) from sewage using a clinical MRSP isolate.
  • Genomic sequencing and analysis of the VL4 phage.
  • Assessment of VL4's lytic activity, replication, and stability under various conditions.
  • Testing VL4 susceptibility against a panel of S. pseudintermedius clinical isolates and S. aureus.
  • Evaluation of VL4's impact on MRSP biofilm formation and degradation.

Main Results:

  • VL4, a temperate phage, possesses a 39,788 bp genome with 68 ORFs, lacking virulence, resistance, or toxin genes.
  • VL4 demonstrated efficient replication, stability at 37°C and neutral pH, and suppressed MRSP growth.
  • 87% of tested S. pseudintermedius isolates were susceptible to VL4, with no activity against S. aureus.
  • VL4 significantly inhibited MRSP biofilm formation and partially degraded existing biofilms.

Conclusions:

  • VL4 is a novel temperate phage, classified as a new species within the Coventryvirus genus.
  • VL4 exhibits potent antibacterial activity against MRSP, including inhibition of biofilm formation.
  • VL4 represents a promising candidate for the development of phage-based therapies against challenging MRSP infections.
Keywords:
Staphylococcus pseudintermediusBacteriophageDogLysogenyMRSPTemperate phage

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