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Characterization of filamentous phages of Vibrio cholerae O139 and O1
M Ehara1, S Shimodori, F Kojima
1Department of Bacteriology, Nagasaki University, Japan. ehara@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
We have analyzed our collection of Vibrio cholerae O139 strains to determine whether filamentous phages are produced in their culture supernatants, and whether any replicative form of DNA is detectable in cell lysates. Two types of filamentous phage, designated fs1 (6.4 kb) and fs2 (8.5 kb), were found in strains of Vibrio cholerae O139, fs1 was commonly produced from clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1. Infectious particles (filamentous phages) were inducible by subculture, mitomycin C, and cultivation in a ligated ileal loop of a rabbit. Type 4 fimbriae of Vibrio cholerae O1 sensitive to D-glucose and D-mannose were suggested to be receptors for fs1 and fs2. The genome of fs1 was revealed to encode a potential new enterotoxin homologous to zonula occludens toxin. Clarification of the relation of type 4 fimbriae and these filamentous phages will provide a new understanding of the colonization of Vibrio-cholerae O1 and O139. Thus the presence of a new enterotoxin encoded by the genome of filamentous phage like fs1 may clarify the pathogenesis of cholera toxin negative clinical isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1 and non-O1. Our findings combined with the earlier report by Ehara et al. [Microbio. Immunol. 37 (1993) 679-688] suggest that type 4 fimbriae of Vibrio cholerae O1 are important for the development of an effective vaccine against cholera.
Insights
Two filamentous phages, fs1 and fs2, were identified in Vibrio cholerae O139. These phages, potentially using type 4 fimbriae as receptors, may encode a new enterotoxin, impacting cholera pathogenesis and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Vibrio cholerae O139 is a significant cause of cholera.
- The role of filamentous phages in Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production of filamentous phages in Vibrio cholerae O139 strains.
- To identify potential receptors and genomic elements of these phages.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of culture supernatants and cell lysates from Vibrio cholerae O139 strains.
- Induction of phage production using subculture, mitomycin C, and rabbit ileal loops.
- Genomic analysis of filamentous phage fs1.
Main Results:
- Two types of filamentous phages, fs1 (6.4 kb) and fs2 (8.5 kb), were detected in Vibrio cholerae O139.
- Type 4 fimbriae of Vibrio cholerae O1 were suggested as receptors for fs1 and fs2.
- The fs1 genome encodes a potential new enterotoxin homologous to zonula occludens toxin.
Conclusions:
- Filamentous phages fs1 and fs2 are produced by Vibrio cholerae O139.
- These phages, particularly fs1, may play a role in Vibrio cholerae colonization and pathogenesis through a novel enterotoxin.
- Understanding the interaction between type 4 fimbriae and these phages is crucial for cholera vaccine development.