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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
Published on: June 11, 2015
Characterization of Phylogenetically Distinct Temperate Phages from Kenyan Mammaliicoccus sciuri
Jérémy D R Cherbuin1,2,3, Jaime Llodrá4, Loïc Borcard5
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology (IVB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
Temperate bacteriophages are widespread in bacterial genomes and can play significant roles in bacterial evolution and pathogenicity. Despite their importance, they remain poorly characterized in nonclinical Staphylococcaceae, particularly Mammaliicoccus sciuri.
Materials And Methods:
We analyzed 26 M. sciuri strains isolated from the nasal cavities of East African dogs and camels. Prophages were induced using mitomycin C, and isolated phages were characterized by whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, electron microscopy imaging, and host-range determination.
Results:
Eight novel siphoviruses were isolated. Phylogenomic analysis revealed two new families, each comprising two genera. Notably, phages from one of these families (with genomes >130 kbp) exhibit a broad host range, while the other family is related to previously described phages implicated in horizontal gene transfer.
Conclusion:
Our findings reveal unexpected diversity of temperate phages in M. sciuri, expanding current knowledge of phage distribution in animal-associated opportunistic pathogens.
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