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A catalogue of T4-type bacteriophages
1Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Canada.
Archives of Virology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
T4-type bacteriophages, defined by particle morphology, are found across various bacteria. This study presents a catalogue of these T4-type phages, suggesting their origin in enterobacteria precursors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria.
- T4-type bacteriophages are characterized by their distinct particle morphology.
- These phages are known to infect a wide range of bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To broadly define T4-type bacteriophages based on morphology.
- To catalogue known representatives of T4-type bacteriophages.
- To investigate the evolutionary origins of T4-type bacteriophages.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of bacteriophage particles.
- Literature review and data compilation for phage classification.
- Phylogenetic analysis to infer evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- T4-type bacteriophages were identified in enterobacteria (125 representatives), acinetobacters, aeromonads, pseudomonads, and vibrios (16 isolates).
- An additional 18 unrelated phages with prolate heads and contractile tails were found across diverse bacterial hosts.
- A comprehensive descriptive catalogue of these phages was compiled.
Conclusions:
- The T4-type bacteriophage group is morphologically defined and found in various bacterial genera.
- The evolutionary origin of T4-type bacteriophages is likely linked to precursors of enterobacteria.
- The catalogue provides a valuable resource for studying phage diversity and evolution.