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Inhibition of ribonucleic acid bacteriophage release from its host by rifampin

H Engelberg, E Soudry

    Journal of Virology
    |June 1, 1971
    PubMed

    Insights

    Rifampin disrupts the growth of RNA-containing phage MS2 within bacterial cells. It also prevents the release of new phage particles from Escherichia coli.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Virology
    • Bacteriology

    Background:

    • Rifampin is a known antibiotic effective against various bacteria.
    • Its effects on bacteriophage replication are less understood.
    • Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, impacting bacterial populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the dual action of rifampin on bacteriophage MS2.
    • To determine if rifampin affects phage replication and/or release.

    Main Methods:

    • Bacterial cultures of Escherichia coli were infected with bacteriophage MS2.
    • Rifampin was added to assess its impact on phage development.
    • Phage titers were measured to quantify intracellular growth and particle release.

    Main Results:

    • Rifampin inhibited the intracellular replication of the ribonucleic acid (RNA)-containing phage MS2.
    • Rifampin also significantly blocked the release of mature phage particles from infected E. coli cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Rifampin exhibits a dual mechanism against phage MS2, affecting both replication and egress.
    • This suggests potential broader applications of rifampin in controlling bacterial infections involving phage activity.

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