Application of Campylobacter jejuni Phages: Challenges and Perspectives

Bacteriophages (phages) are the most abundant and diverse biological entities in the biosphere. Due to the rise of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains during the past decade, phages are currently experiencing a renewed interest. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are being actively researched for their potential in the medical and biotechnology fields. Phage applications targeting pathogenic food-borne bacteria are currently being utilized for decontamination and therapy of live farm animals and as a biocontrol measure at the post-harvest level. For this indication, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several phage products targeting Listeria sp., Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli. Phage-based applications against Campylobacter jejuni could potentially be used in ways similar to those against Salmonella sp. and Listeria sp.; however, only very few Campylobacter phage products have been approved anywhere to date. The research on Campylobacter phages conducted thus far indicates that highly diverse subpopulations of C. jejuni as well as phage isolation and enrichment procedures influence the specificity and efficacy of Campylobacter phages. This review paper emphasizes conclusions from previous findings instrumental in facilitating isolation of Campylobacter phages and improving specificity and efficacy of the isolates.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage Paul

Escherichia coli is both a commensal and a pathogen in humans and other animals. Here, we describe the isolation of E. coli strain 4s bacteriophage Paul. The complete 79,429-bp genome was annotated and demonstrates similarity with phieco32viruses, as does its prolate podophage morphology.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage Pisces

Podophage Pisces was isolated against Escherichia coli strain 4s from wastewater samples. Pisces is a T7-like phage, and all 49 predicted protein-coding genes in it are present on a single strand and are surrounded by 190-bp terminal repeats. Due to its similarity to other T7-like phages, 61% of Pisces genes were assigned a predicted function.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage vB_EcoM Sa157lw, Isolated from Surface Water Collected in Salinas, California

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a new member of Vi1-like phages, Escherichia coli phage vB_EcoM Sa157lw, isolated from surface water collected near a produce-growing area in California. This phage does not harbor stx or other lysogeny-associated genes and therefore may have biocontrol application potential.

Still Something to Discover: Novel Insights into Escherichia coli Phage Diversity and Taxonomy

The aim of this study was to gain further insight into the diversity of Escherichia coli phages followed by enhanced work on taxonomic issues in that field. Therefore, we present the genomic characterization and taxonomic classification of 50 bacteriophages against E. coli isolated from various sources, such as manure or sewage. All phages were examined for their host range on a set of different E. coli strains, originating, e.g., from human diagnostic laboratories or poultry farms. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a diversity of morphotypes (70% Myo-, 22% Sipho-, and 8% Podoviruses), and genome sequencing resulted in genomes sizes from ~44 to ~370 kb. Annotation and comparison with databases showed similarities in particular to T4- and T5-like phages, but also to less-known groups. Though various phages against E. coli are already described in literature and databases, we still isolated phages that showed no or only few similarities to other phages, namely phages Goslar, PTXU04, and KWBSE43-6. Genome-based phylogeny and classification of the newly isolated phages using VICTOR resulted in the proposal of new genera and led to an enhanced taxonomic classification of E. coli phages.

Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage CMSTMSU, Isolated from Shrimp Farm Effluent Water

The Escherichia coli phage CMSTMSU was isolated from shrimp farm effluent water in Ramanathapuram, India. The phage exhibited lytic activity against both E. coli and the fish pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli phage Eco_BIFF

Escherichia coli phage Eco_BIFF was isolated from several laboratory stocks of E. coli K-12 MG1655 derivatives. The source of the contamination is unknown. Eco_BIFF is a lytic phage that shows effective growth inhibition of E. coli K-12. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of Eco_BIFF, and major findings from its genome annotation.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage vB_EcoS Sa179lw, Isolated from Surface Water in a Produce-Growing Area in Northern California

We report here the whole-genome sequence of a novel Escherichia coli phage, vB_EcoS Sa179lw, isolated from surface water collected in a produce-growing area. With the presence of a putative eae-like gene that was associated with previous non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreaks, this phage is a candidate for the study of virulence gene transfer.

Complete Genome Sequence of the Escherichia coli Phage Ayreon

ABSTRACT We report the whole-genome sequence of a new Escherichia coli temperate phage, Ayreon, comprising a linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome of 44,708 bp.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Phage APC_JM3.2 Isolated from a Chicken Cecum

ABSTRACT Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) bacteria are a significant challenge to the poultry industry. Bacteriophages (phages) have the potential to control APEC strains, increasing animal welfare and economic productivity. Here, we report the isolation of an E. coli-infecting phage, APC_JM3.2, isolated from the cecum of a broiler chicken in Ireland.