Ultrastructural studies of mycobacterial phages isolated from the material of sarcoid patients
Abstract:
Mycophages DNAIII, Legendre and Clark, isolated from sarcoid material by Mankiewicz, belongs with respect to their ultrastructural morphology, to the systematic group B according to Bradley or to group IV according to Tikhonenko. These phages contain 2-DNA, their head is a regular icosahedron, the tail consisting of a helix of protein subunits is attached to the head by a narrowed segment and is fixed in it by means of a disc-like structure. It is terminated by a ball-shoped or conical end structure. By their dimensions, these phages belong to the smallest ones in this systematic group. In comparison with other mycobacterial phages, the studied phages exhibit very low mechanical resistance. This characteristic is most pronounced in phage DNAIII. This group of mycophages is also very sensitive lipid solvents and increased temeprature. This phenomenon is also most pronounced in phage DNAIII. The explanation of these findings will be the subject of our further study.
Insights
Mycobacterial phages DNAIII, Legendre, and Clark, are small with icosahedral heads and helical tails. These phages exhibit low mechanical resistance and sensitivity to lipid solvents and heat.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Mycobacterial phages are viruses that infect bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium.
- Understanding phage morphology and properties is crucial for their potential applications in therapy and diagnostics.
- Previous classifications of mycophages exist based on morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the ultrastructural morphology and physical properties of mycophages DNAIII, Legendre, and Clark.
- To compare these phages with other known mycobacterial phages.
- To investigate the mechanical resistance and sensitivity of these phages.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural morphology analysis using electron microscopy.
- Determination of phage dimensions.
- Assessment of mechanical resistance and sensitivity to lipid solvents and temperature.
Main Results:
- Mycophages DNAIII, Legendre, and Clark were classified under systematic group B (Bradley) or group IV (Tikhonenko) based on ultrastructure.
- These phages possess icosahedral heads, helical tails, and are among the smallest in their group.
- The studied phages demonstrated notably low mechanical resistance, particularly DNAIII, and high sensitivity to lipid solvents and elevated temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Mycophages DNAIII, Legendre, and Clark share specific ultrastructural characteristics and exhibit unusual fragility.
- Their small size and pronounced sensitivity may influence their stability and application potential.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying reasons for their observed low resistance and high sensitivity.
