Evolution of a Lytic Bacteriophage via DNA Acquisition from the Lactococcus lactis Chromosome

Insights into the dynamics and evolution of Rummeliibacillus stabekisii prophages in extreme environments: from Antarctic soil to spacecraft floors

Since prophages can play a multifaceted role in bacterial evolution, this study aims to characterize the virome of Rummeliibacillus stabekisii, a bacterium isolated from different environments, including Antarctic soil and NASA spacecraft floors. From the analyses, it was found that the Antarctic strain, PP9, had the largest number of prophages, including intact ones, indicating potential benefits for survival in adverse conditions. In contrast, other strains harbored predominantly degenerate prophages, suggesting a dynamic process of gene gain and loss during evolution. Furthermore, strain PP9 exhibited polylysogeny, a strategy capable of increasing its competitive advantage by providing a broader spectrum of defensive mechanisms. In addition, evidence demonstrates that prophage regions in PP9 act as hotspots for recombination events, favoring the insertion of different phages and possible antimicrobial resistance genes. Finally, lytic cycle induction experiments revealed at least two intact prophages active in PP9. In this way, understanding the interaction between viruses and bacteria can provide valuable information about microbial evolution and adaptation in extreme environments, such as Antarctica.

Complete genome of Escherichia phages Carena and JoYop

Escherichia phages Carena and JoYop were isolated from water samples in Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire). Their genomes comprise 39,283 and 169,193 bp, encoding 44 and 246 predicted genes, respectively. Carena shares 93.4% nucleotide identity with Escherichia podophage CarlSpitteler (Berlinvirus), and JoYop shows 95.6% identity with Escherichia myophage ADUt (Tequatrovirus).

Fermentation Practices Select for Thermostable Endolysins in Phages

Endolysins are produced by (bacterio)phages and play a crucial role in degrading the bacterial cell wall and the subsequent release of new phage progeny. These lytic enzymes exhibit a remarkable diversity, often occurring in a multimodular form that combines different catalytic and cell wall-binding domains, even in phages infecting the same species. Yet, our current understanding lacks insight into how environmental factors and ecological niches may have influenced the evolution of these enzymes. In this study, we focused on phages infecting Streptococcus thermophilus, as this bacterial species has a well-defined and narrow ecological niche, namely, dairy fermentation. Among the endolysins found in phages targeting this species, we observed limited diversity, with a singular structural type dominating in most of identified S. thermophilus phages. Within this prevailing endolysin type, we discovered a novel and highly conserved calcium-binding motif. This motif proved to be crucial for the stability and activity of the enzyme at elevated temperatures. Ultimately, we demonstrated its positive selection within the host's environmental conditions, particularly under the temperature profiles encountered in the production of yogurt, mozzarella, and hard cheeses that rely on S. thermophilus.

Diversity of Salmonella enterica phages isolated from chicken farms in Kenya

IMPORTANCE

Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica infections are one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal diseases that spread to humans from animal sources such as poultry. Hence, keeping poultry farms free of Salmonella is essential for consumer safety and for a better yield of animal products. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance due to over usage has sped up the search for alternative biocontrol methods such as the use of bacteriophages. Isolation and characterization of novel bacteriophages are key to adapt phage-based biocontrol applications. Here, we isolated and characterized Salmonella phages from samples collected at chicken farms and slaughterhouses in Kenya. The genomic characterization of these phage isolates revealed that they belong to four ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) phage genera. All these phages are lytic and possibly suitable for biocontrol applications because no lysogenic genes or virulence factors were found in their genomes. Hence, we recommend further studies on these phages for their applications in Salmonella biocontrol.

Investigation of CRISPR-Independent Phage Resistance Mechanisms Reveals a Role for FtsH in Phage Adsorption to Streptococcus thermophilus

Prokaryotes are under constant pressure from phage infection and thus have evolved multiple means of defense or evasion. While CRISPR-Cas constitutes a robust immune system and appears to be the predominant means of survival for Streptococcus thermophilus when facing lytic phage infection, other forms of phage resistance coexist in this species. Here, we show that S. thermophilus strains with deleted CRISPR-Cas loci can still give rise to phage-resistant clones following lytic phage challenge. Notably, non-CRISPR phage-resistant survivors had multiple mutations which would truncate or recode a membrane-anchored host protease, FtsH. Phage adsorption was dramatically reduced in FtsH mutants, implicating this protein in phage attachment. Phages were isolated which could bypass FtsH-based resistance through mutations predicted to alter tape measure protein translation. Together, these results identify key components in phage propagation that are subject to mutation in the molecular arms race between phage and host cell. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus thermophilus is an important organism for production of cultured dairy foods, but it is susceptible to lytic phages which can lead to failed products. Consequently, mechanisms for phage resistance are an active area of research. One such mechanism is CRISPR-Cas, and S. thermophilus is a model organism for the study of this form of adaptive immunity. Here, we expand on known mechanisms with our finding that spontaneous mutations in ftsH, a gene encoding a membrane-anchored protease, protected against phage infection by disrupting phage adsorption. In turn, mutations in phage tail protein genes allowed phages to overcome ftsH-based resistance. Our results identified components in phage propagation that are subject to mutation in the molecular arms race between phage and host.

Longitudinal Study of Lactococcus Phages in a Canadian Cheese Factory

The presence of virulent phages is closely monitored during cheese manufacturing, as these bacterial viruses can significantly slow down the milk fermentation process and lead to low-quality cheeses. From 2001 to 2020, whey samples from cheddar cheese production in a Canadian factory were monitored for the presence of virulent phages capable of infecting proprietary strains of Lactococcus cremoris and Lactococcus lactis used in starter cultures. Phages were successfully isolated from 932 whey samples using standard plaque assays and several industrial Lactococcus strains as hosts. A multiplex PCR assay assigned 97% of these phage isolates to the Skunavirus genus, 2% to the P335 group, and 1% to the Ceduovirus genus. DNA restriction profiles and a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme distinguished at least 241 unique lactococcal phages from these isolates. While most phages were isolated only once, 93 of them (out of 241, 39%) were isolated multiple times. Phage GL7 was isolated 132 times from 2006 to 2020, demonstrating that phages can persist in a cheese factory for long periods of time. Phylogenetic analysis of MLST sequences showed that phages could be clustered based on their bacterial hosts rather than their year of isolation. Host range analysis showed that Skunavirus phages exhibited a very narrow host range, whereas some Ceduovirus and P335 phages had a broader host range. Overall, the host range information was useful in improving the starter culture rotation by identifying phage-unrelated strains and helped mitigating the risk of fermentation failure due to virulent phages. IMPORTANCE Although lactococcal phages have been observed in cheese production settings for almost a century, few longitudinal studies have been performed. This 20-year study describes the close monitoring of dairy lactococcal phages in a cheddar cheese factory. Routine monitoring was conducted by factory staff, and when whey samples were found to inhibit industrial starter cultures under laboratory conditions, they were sent to an academic research laboratory for phage isolation and characterization. This led to a collection of at least 241 unique lactococcal phages, which were characterized through PCR typing and MLST profiling. Phages of the Skunavirus genus were by far the most dominant. Most phages lysed a small subset of the Lactococcus strains. These findings guided the industrial partner in adapting the starter culture schedule by using phage-unrelated strains in starter cultures and removing some strains from the starter rotation. This phage control strategy could be adapted for other large-scale bacterial fermentation processes.

The Combination of Salmonella Phage ST-3 and Antibiotics to Prevent Salmonella Typhimurium In Vitro

The novel phage ST-3, capable of infecting the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium, was isolated from wastewater. The Biological characters and genome information of ST-3 were analyzed. In the in vitro assay, the phage ST-3 with a MOI of 10 effectively inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium CGMCC 1.1174 in 6 h. The inhibitory effect of combination phage ST-3 and antibiotics was also studied, the removal rate of planktonic host exposed to ST-3 and levofloxacin hydrochloride at the same time, or to ciprofloxacin followed by ST-3, is higher than that exposed to antibiotic dosing group alone and antibiotic + phage dosing group. The phage ST-3 combined with 0.5 µg/mL levofloxacin hydrochloride resulted in the largest decrease in biofilm biomass at 54%. The phage ST-3 could be a potential agent to control Salmonella Typhimurium growth and provide instruction for use it and antibiotics together.

Genome Sequence of SN1, a Bacteriophage That Infects Sphaerotilus natans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Phage SN1 infects Sphaerotilus natans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Its genome consists of 61,858 bp (64.3% GC) and 89 genes, including 32 with predicted functions. SN1 genome is very similar to Pseudomonas phage M6, which contains hypermodified thymidines. Genome analyses revealed similar base-modifying genes as those found in M6.

Phage endolysins are adapted to specific hosts and are evolutionarily dynamic

Endolysins are produced by (bacterio)phages to rapidly degrade the bacterial cell wall and release new viral particles. Despite sharing a common function, endolysins present in phages that infect a specific bacterial species can be highly diverse and vary in types, number, and organization of their catalytic and cell wall binding domains. While much is now known about the biochemistry of phage endolysins, far less is known about the implication of their diversity on phage–host adaptation and evolution. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we could genetically exchange a subset of different endolysin genes into distinct lactococcal phage genomes. Regardless of the type and biochemical properties of these endolysins, fitness costs associated to their genetic exchange were marginal if both recipient and donor phages were infecting the same bacterial strain, but gradually increased when taking place between phage that infect different strains or bacterial species. From an evolutionary perspective, we observed that endolysins could be naturally exchanged by homologous recombination between phages coinfecting a same bacterial strain. Furthermore, phage endolysins could adapt to their new phage/host environment by acquiring adaptative mutations. These observations highlight the remarkable ability of phage lytic systems to recombine and adapt and, therefore, explain their large diversity and mosaicism. It also indicates that evolution should be considered to act on functional modules rather than on bacteriophages themselves. Furthermore, the extensive degree of evolvability observed for phage endolysins offers new perspectives for their engineering as antimicrobial agents.

Endolysins are produced by bacteriophages to degrade the host cell wall and release new particles, but the implications of their diversity on phage-host adaptation and evolution is unknown. This study uses CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to reveal novel insights into bacteriophage endolysin diversity and phage-bacteria interactions as well as into endolysin adaptation towards a new bacterial host.

Bi- and Multi-directional Gene Transfer in the Natural Populations of Polyvalent Bacteriophages, and Their Host Species Spectrum Representing Foodborne Versus Other Human and/or Animal Pathogens

Unraveling the trends of phage-host versus phage-phage coevolution is critical for avoiding possible undesirable outcomes from the use of phage preparations intended for therapeutic, food safety or environmental safety purposes. We aimed to investigate a phenomenon of intergeneric recombination and its trajectories across the natural populations of phages predominantly linked to foodborne pathogens. The results from the recombination analyses, using a large array of the recombination detection algorithms imbedded in SplitsTree, RDP4, and Simplot software packages, provided strong evidence (fit: 100; P  ≤ 0.014) for both bi- and multi-directional intergeneric recombination of the genetic loci involved collectively in phage morphogenesis, host specificity, virulence, replication, and persistence. Intergeneric recombination was determined to occur not only among conspecifics of the virulent versus temperate phages but also between the phages with these different lifestyles. The recombining polyvalent phages were suggested to interact with fairly large host species networks, including sometimes genetically very distinct species, such as e.g., Salmonella enterica and/or Escherichia coli versus Staphylococcus aureus or Yersinia pestis. Further studies are needed to understand whether phage-driven intergeneric recombination can lead to undesirable changes of intestinal and other microbiota in humans and animals.

Complete Genome Sequences of 10 Lactococcal Skunavirus Phages Isolated from Cheddar Cheese Whey Samples in Canada

We report the complete genome sequences of 10 virulent phages of the Skunavirus genus (Siphoviridae) that infect Lactococcus lactis strains used for cheddar cheese production in Canada. Their linear genomes range from 28,969 bp to 31,042 bp with GC contents of 34.1 to 35.1% and 55 to 60 predicted open reading frames (ORFs).

We report the complete genome sequences of 10 virulent phages of the Skunavirus genus (Siphoviridae) that infect Lactococcus lactis strains used for cheddar cheese production in Canada. Their linear genomes range from 28,969 bp to 31,042 bp with GC contents of 34.1 to 35.1% and 55 to 60 predicted open reading frames (ORFs).

Dairy lactococcal and streptococcal phage-host interactions: an industrial perspective in an evolving phage landscape

Almost a century has elapsed since the discovery of bacteriophages (phages), and 85 years have passed since the emergence of evidence that phages can infect starter cultures, thereby impacting dairy fermentations. Soon afterward, research efforts were undertaken to investigate phage interactions regarding starter strains. Investigations into phage biology and morphology and phage-host relationships have been aimed at mitigating the negative impact phages have on the fermented dairy industry. From the viewpoint of a supplier of dairy starter cultures, this review examines the composition of an industrial phage collection, providing insight into the development of starter strains and cultures and the evolution of phages in the industry. Research advances in the diversity of phages and structural bases for phage-host recognition and an overview of the perpetual arms race between phage virulence and host defense are presented, with a perspective toward the development of improved phage-resistant starter culture systems.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Phage SaGU1 that Infects Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates from Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which colonizes healthy human skin, may cause diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Treatment for such AD cases involves antibiotic use; however, alternate treatments are preferred owing to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to characterize the novel bacteriophage SaGU1 as a potential agent for phage therapy to treat S. aureus infections. SaGU1 that infects S. aureus strains previously isolated from the skin of patients with AD was screened from sewage samples in Gifu, Japan. Its genome was sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics tools, and the morphology, lytic activity, stability, and host range of the phage were determined. The SaGU1 genome was 140,909 bp with an average GC content of 30.2%. The viral chromosome contained 225 putative protein-coding genes and four tRNA genes, carrying neither toxic nor antibiotic resistance genes. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that SaGU1 belongs to the Myoviridae family. Stability tests showed that SaGU1 was heat-stable under physiological and acidic conditions. Host range testing revealed that SaGU1 can infect a broad range of S. aureus clinical isolates present on the skin of AD patients, whereas it did not kill strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are symbiotic resident bacteria on human skin. Hence, our data suggest that SaGU1 is a potential candidate for developing a phage therapy to treat AD caused by pathogenic S. aureus.

DNA tandem repeats contribute to the genetic diversity of Brevibacterium aurantiacum phages

This report presents the characterization of the first virulent phages infecting Brevibacterium aurantiacum, a bacterial species used during the manufacture of surface-ripened cheeses. These phages were also responsible for flavour and colour defects in surface-ripened cheeses. Sixteen phages (out of 62 isolates) were selected for genome sequencing and comparative analyses. These cos-type phages with a long non-contractile tail currently belong to the Siphoviridae family (Caudovirales order). Their genome sizes vary from 35,637 to 36,825 bp and, similar to their host, have a high GC content (~61%). Genes encoding for an immunity repressor, an excisionase and a truncated integrase were found, suggesting that these virulent phages may be derived from a prophage. Their genomic organization is highly conserved, with most of the diversity coming from the presence of long (198 bp) DNA tandem repeats (TRs) within an open reading frame coding for a protein of unknown function. We categorized these phages into seven genomic groups according to their number of TR, which ranged from two to eight. Moreover, we showed that TRs are widespread in phage genomes, found in more than 85% of the genomes available in public databases.

A cell wall-associated polysaccharide is required for bacteriophage adsorption to the Streptococcus thermophilus cell surface

Streptococcus thermophilus strain ST64987 was exposed to a member of a recently discovered group of S. thermophilus phages (the 987 phage group), generating phage-insensitive mutants, which were then characterized phenotypically and genomically. Decreased phage adsorption was observed in selected bacteriophage-insensitive mutants, and was partnered with a sedimenting phenotype and increased cell chain length or aggregation. Whole genome sequencing of several bacteriophage-insensitive mutants identified mutations located in a gene cluster presumed to be responsible for cell wall polysaccharide production in this strain. Analysis of cell surface-associated glycans by methylation and NMR spectroscopy revealed a complex branched rhamno-polysaccharide in both ST64987 and phage-insensitive mutant BIM3. In addition, a second cell wall-associated polysaccharide of ST64987, composed of hexasaccharide branched repeating units containing galactose and glucose, was absent in the cell wall of mutant BIM3. Genetic complementation of three phage-resistant mutants was shown to restore the carbohydrate and phage resistance profiles of the wild-type strain, establishing the role of this gene cluster in cell wall polysaccharide production and phage adsorption and, thus, infection.

Characterization and Genome Analysis of a Novel Salmonella Phage vB_SenS_SE1

Salmonella is a significant food-borne pathogen that infects a large number of people worldwide. In this study, a lytic bacteriophage vB_SenS_SE1 capable of infecting Salmonella is isolated from municipal wastewater in Beijing, and its biological and genomic features are analyzed. Transmission electron micrograph shows that vB_SenS_SE1 is likely a Siphoviridae virus, with an icosahedral head and a long non-contracted tail. The stability test in vitro reveals that it is stable at 4-50 °C and pH 4-12. Based on the one-step growth curve, vB_SenS_SE1 has a 60-min exponential phase and a low burst size (19 PFU per cell). Bioinformatics analysis reveals that vB_SenS_SE1 consists of a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule of 40,987 bp with a GC content of 51.2%. Its genome carries 63 predicted open reading frames (orfs), with 22 orfs encoding known proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of the large terminase subunit shows that vB_SenS_SE1 exhibits strong homology to Salmonella phage St161, St162, VSiP, and FSL SP-031. The CoreGenes analysis shows that it is a member of the virus genus Cornellvirus. The features of phage vB_SenS_SE1 suggest that it has the potential to be an agent to control Salmonella.

Diversity and Host Specificity Revealed by Biological Characterization and Whole Genome Sequencing of Bacteriophages Infecting Salmonella enterica

Phages infecting members of the opportunistic human pathogen, Salmonella enterica, are widespread in natural environments and offer a potential source of agents that could be used for controlling populations of this bacterium; yet, relatively little is known about these phages. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of 45 phages of Salmonella enterica from disparate geographic locations within British Columbia, Canada. Host-range profiling revealed host-specific patterns of susceptibility and resistance, with several phages identified that have a broad-host range (i.e., able to lyse >40% of bacterial hosts tested). One phage in particular, SE13, is able to lyse 51 out of the 61 Salmonella strains tested. Comparative genomic analyses also revealed an abundance of sequence diversity in the sequenced phages. Alignment of the genomes grouped the phages into 12 clusters with three singletons. Phages within certain clusters exhibited extraordinarily high genome homology (>98% nucleotide identity), yet between clusters, genomes exhibited a span of diversity (<50% nucleotide identity). Alignment of the major capsid protein also supported the clustering pattern observed with alignment of the whole genomes. We further observed associations between genomic relatedness and the site of isolation, as well as genetic elements related to DNA metabolism and host virulence. Our data support the knowledge framework for phage diversity and phage-host interactions that are required for developing phage-based applications for various sectors, including biocontrol, detection and typing.

Expanding the Diversity of Myoviridae Phages Infecting Lactobacillus plantarum-A Novel Lineage of Lactobacillus Phages Comprising Five New Members

Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacterium with probiotic properties and promising applications in the food industry and agriculture. So far, bacteriophages of this bacterium have been moderately addressed. We examined the diversity of five new L. plantarum phages via whole genome shotgun sequencing and in silico protein predictions. Moreover, we looked into their phylogeny and their potential genomic similarities to other complete phage genome records through extensive nucleotide and protein comparisons. These analyses revealed a high degree of similarity among the five phages, which extended to the vast majority of predicted virion-associated proteins. Based on these, we selected one of the phages as a representative and performed transmission electron microscopy and structural protein sequencing tests. Overall, the results suggested that the five phages belong to the family Myoviridae, they have a long genome of 137,973-141,344 bp, a G/C content of 36.3-36.6% that is quite distinct from their host's, and surprisingly, 7 to 15 tRNAs. Only an average 41/174 of their predicted genes were assigned a function. The comparative analyses unraveled considerable genetic diversity for the five L. plantarum phages in this study. Hence, the new genus "Semelevirus" was proposed, comprising exclusively of the five phages. This novel lineage of Lactobacillus phages provides further insight into the genetic heterogeneity of phages infecting Lactobacillus sp. The five new Lactobacillus phages have potential value for the development of more robust starters through, for example, the selection of mutants insensitive to phage infections. The five phages could also form part of phage cocktails, which producers would apply in different stages of L. plantarum fermentations in order to create a range of organoleptic outputs.

Mobilome of Brevibacterium aurantiacum Sheds Light on Its Genetic Diversity and Its Adaptation to Smear-Ripened Cheeses

Brevibacterium aurantiacum is an actinobacterium that confers key organoleptic properties to washed-rind cheeses during the ripening process. Although this industrially relevant species has been gaining an increasing attention in the past years, its genome plasticity is still understudied due to the unavailability of complete genomic sequences. To add insights on the mobilome of this group, we sequenced the complete genomes of five dairy Brevibacterium strains and one non-dairy strain using PacBio RSII. We performed phylogenetic and pan-genome analyses, including comparisons with other publicly available Brevibacterium genomic sequences. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that these five dairy strains, previously identified as Brevibacterium linens, belong instead to the B. aurantiacum species. A high number of transposases and integrases were observed in the Brevibacterium spp. strains. In addition, we identified 14 and 12 new insertion sequences (IS) in B. aurantiacum and B. linens genomes, respectively. Several stretches of homologous DNA sequences were also found between B. aurantiacum and other cheese rind actinobacteria, suggesting horizontal gene transfer (HGT). A HGT region from an iRon Uptake/Siderophore Transport Island (RUSTI) and an iron uptake composite transposon were found in five B. aurantiacum genomes. These findings suggest that low iron availability in milk is a driving force in the adaptation of this bacterial species to this niche. Moreover, the exchange of iron uptake systems suggests cooperative evolution between cheese rind actinobacteria. We also demonstrated that the integrative and conjugative element BreLI (Brevibacterium Lanthipeptide Island) can excise from B. aurantiacum SMQ-1417 chromosome. Our comparative genomic analysis suggests that mobile genetic elements played an important role into the adaptation of B. aurantiacum to cheese ecosystems.

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Siphophage BRET

The lytic Escherichia coli siphophage BRET was isolated from a chicken obtained at a local market in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Its linear genome sequence consists of 59,550 bp (43.4% GC content) and contains 88 predicted genes, including 4 involved in archaeosine biosynthesis. Phage BRET is related (95% nucleotide identity) to Enterobacteria phage JenK1.

Biodiversity of Streptococcus thermophilus Phages in Global Dairy Fermentations

Streptococcus thermophilus strains are among the most widely employed starter cultures in dairy fermentations, second only to those of Lactococcus lactis. The extensive application of this species provides considerable opportunity for the proliferation of its infecting (bacterio)phages. Until recently, dairy streptococcal phages were classified into two groups (cos and pac groups), while more recently, two additional groups have been identified (5093 and 987 groups). This highlights the requirement for consistent monitoring of phage populations in the industry. Here, we report a survey of 35 samples of whey derived from 27 dairy fermentation facilities in ten countries against a panel of S. thermophilus strains. This culminated in the identification of 172 plaque isolates, which were characterized by multiplex PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and host range profiling. Based on this characterisation, 39 distinct isolates representing all four phage groups were selected for genome sequencing. Genetic diversity was observed among the cos isolates and correlations between receptor binding protein phylogeny and host range were also clear within this phage group. The 987 phages isolated within this study shared high levels of sequence similarity, yet displayed reduced levels of similarity to those identified in previous studies, indicating that they are subject to ongoing genetic diversification.

Spontaneously induced prophages are abundant in a naturally evolved bacterial starter culture and deliver competitive advantage to the host

BACKGROUND

In complex microbial ecosystems such as the marine environment, the gastrointestinal tract, but also in mixed culture fermentations, bacteriophages are frequently found to be a part of the microbial community. Moreover, prophages or prophage-like elements are frequently identified in sequenced bacterial genomes. The mixed undefined starter cultures represent an ecosystem which is shaped by long term evolution under relatively defined environmental conditions and provides an interesting model to study co-evolution of phages and their hosts as well as the impact of diversity on microbial community stability.

RESULTS

In the present study we investigated the presence, identity and behaviour of prophages in lactococci being part of a complex cheese starter culture. Genome analysis of representative strains of the 7 genetic lineages of Lactococcus lactis constituting the culture indicated the presence of prophages in all strains. Exposure of potential lysogens to mitomycin C confirmed the release of ~ 1010·ml- 1 phage particles from all tested strains. Furthermore, phages were also released in substantial amounts due to spontaneous induction: more than 108·ml- 1 phage particles were present in cultures under non-inducing conditions. This observation suggests continuous release of phage particles by the lactococci. The released bacteriophages exhibited an unusual morphology. For most strains tested, tailless icosahedral phage heads were found. The competitive advantage of lysogens compared to their cured derivatives and their high abundance in the culture suggests that the released tailless bacteriophages play an important role in the ecosystem.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that chromosomal genetic elements are active participants in the stable complex microbial community of the starter culture. We show that prophages are abundant in such a community, are produced continuously in large amounts and, despite the huge metabolic burden imposed on the cells by phage particle production, provide a selective advantage to the host.

Molecular, physiological and phylogenetic traits of Lactococcus 936-type phages from distinct dairy environments

Bacteriophage infection of Lactococcus species can cause serious disruption of dairy fermentation processes. The most common isolates from the dairy environment are Siphoviridae lytic 936-type phages. To gain specific knowledge about this group of phages in Polish dairies, we examined 90 isolates from 8 different locations. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, coupled with physiological and molecular studies, the isolated phages were divided into 8 distinct groups. Whole-genome sequencing of single representatives from each phage group provided data about their biology and genetic composition. The phages present an overall conserved genome organization. High sequence homology to another Polish isolate, Lactococcus phage bIBB29, indicates their close phylogenetic relatedness to this strain. Such similarity may be suggestive of a general genome conservation among phages persisting in Polish dairies. Comparative genome analyses with other 936-type phages revealed several discriminative traits, including the presence and position of HNH endonuclease genes, varying number of orfs in the early gene region, and a putative TpeX gene. Interestingly, host range of the sequenced phages was restricted to L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis strains. The results provide new data regarding phages present in the Polish dairy environment and permit analysis of their biology, genome composition and relatedness to other Lactococcus 936-type phages.

Characterization of Bacteriophages Infecting Clinical Isolates of Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is recognized as a problematic pathogen, causing severe enteric diseases including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The emergence of antibiotic resistant C. difficile has driven a search for alternative anti-infection modalities. A promising strategy for controlling bacterial infection includes the use of bacteriophages and their gene products. Currently, knowledge of phages active against C. difficile is still relatively limited by the fact that the isolation of phages for this organism is a technically demanding method since bacterial host themselves are difficult to culture. To isolate and characterize phages specific to C. difficile, a genotoxic agent, mitomycin C, was used to induce temperate phages from 12 clinical isolates of C. difficile. Five temperate phages consisting of ΦHR24, ΦHN10, ΦHN16-1, ΦHN16-2, and ΦHN50 were successfully induced and isolated. Spotting assays were performed against a panel of 92 C. difficile isolates to screen for susceptible bacterial hosts. The results revealed that all the C. difficile phages obtained in this work displayed a relatively narrow host range of 0-6.5% of the tested isolates. Electron microscopic characterization revealed that all isolated phages contained an icosahedral head connected to a long contractile tail, suggesting that they belonged to the Myoviridae family. Restriction enzyme analysis indicated that these phages possess unique double-stranded DNA genome. Further electron microscopic characterization revealed that the ΦHN10 absorbed to the bacterial surface via attachment to cell wall, potentially interacting with S-layer protein. Bacteriophages isolated from this study could lead to development of novel therapeutic agents and detection strategies for C. difficile.

Investigation of the bacteriophage community in induced lysates of undefined mesophilic mixed-strain DL-cultures using classical and metagenomic approaches

To investigate the notion that starter cultures can be a reservoir of bacteriophages (phages) in the dairy environment, strains of three DL-starters (undefined mesophilic mixed-strain starters containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis and Leuconostoc species) were selected and induced by mitomycin C, and the whole starters were induced spontaneously as well as by mitomycin C. Frequency of induction of 17%, 26% and 12% was estimated among the isolates of the three starters, with majority of the induced phages mostly showing morphological similarity to known P335 phages, and with a fraction of them showing atypical features. Sequences of P335 quasi-species phages were found to be the most frequent entities in almost all metaviromes derived from the induced lysates. However, sequences of Sk1virus phages (previously 936 phages) were emerged as the predominant entities following spontaneous induction of one of the starters, suggesting a phage-carrier state. Sequences of other phages such as 949, 1706, C2virus (previously c2 phages) and Leuconostoc species could also be observed but with a lower relative frequency. Taken together, the majority of the P335 quasi-species phages could represent the induced viral community of the starters and the remaining phage groups mainly represent the background ambient viral community.

Generation of Bacteriophage-Insensitive Mutants of Streptococcus thermophilus via an Antisense RNA CRISPR-Cas Silencing Approach

Predation of starter lactic acid bacteria such as Streptococcus thermophilus by bacteriophages is a persistent and costly problem in the dairy industry. CRISPR-mediated bacteriophage insensitive mutants (BIMs), while straightforward to generate and verify, can quickly be overcome by mutant phages. The aim of this study was to develop a tool allowing the generation of derivatives of commercial S. thermophilus strains which are resistant to phage attack through a non-CRISPR-mediated mechanism, with the objective of generating BIMs exhibiting stable resistance against a range of isolated lytic S. thermophilus phages. To achieve this, standard BIM generation was complemented by the use of the wild-type (WT) strain which had been transformed with an antisense mRNA-generating plasmid (targeting a crucial CRISPR-associated [cas] gene) in order to facilitate the generation of non-CRISPR-mediated BIMs. Phage sensitivity assays suggest that non-CRISPR-mediated BIMs exhibit some advantages compared to CRISPR-mediated BIMs derived from the same strain.IMPORTANCE The outlined approach reveals the presence of a powerful host-imposed barrier for phage infection in S. thermophilus Considering the detrimental economic consequences of phage infection in the dairy processing environment, the developed methodology has widespread applications, particularly where other methods may not be practical or effective in obtaining robust, phage-tolerant S. thermophilus starter strains.

Metagenomic Analysis of Dairy Bacteriophages: Extraction Method and Pilot Study on Whey Samples Derived from Using Undefined and Defined Mesophilic Starter Cultures

Despite being potentially highly useful for characterizing the biodiversity of phages, metagenomic studies are currently not available for dairy bacteriophages, partly due to the lack of a standard procedure for phage extraction. We optimized an extraction method that allows the removal of the bulk protein from whey and milk samples with losses of less than 50% of spiked phages. The protocol was applied to extract phages from whey in order to test the notion that members of Lactococcus lactis 936 (now Sk1virus), P335, c2 (now C2virus) and Leuconostoc phage groups are the most frequently encountered in the dairy environment. The relative abundance and diversity of phages in eight and four whey mixtures from dairies using undefined mesophilic mixed-strain cultures containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis and Leuconostoc species (i.e., DL starter cultures) and defined cultures, respectively, were assessed. Results obtained from transmission electron microscopy and high-throughput sequence analyses revealed the dominance of Lc. lactis 936 phages (order Caudovirales, family Siphoviridae) in dairies using undefined DL starter cultures and Lc. lactis c2 phages (order Caudovirales, family Siphoviridae) in dairies using defined cultures. The 936 and Leuconostoc phages demonstrated limited diversity. Possible coinduction of temperate P335 prophages and satellite phages in one of the whey mixtures was also observed.IMPORTANCE The method optimized in this study could provide an important basis for understanding the dynamics of the phage community (abundance, development, diversity, evolution, etc.) in dairies with different sizes, locations, and production strategies. It may also enable the discovery of previously unknown phages, which is crucial for the development of rapid molecular biology-based methods for phage burden surveillance systems. The dominance of only a few phage groups in the dairy environment signifies the depth of knowledge gained over the past decades, which served as the basis for designing current phage control strategies. The presence of a correlation between phages and the type of starter cultures being used in dairies might help to improve the selection and/or design of suitable, custom, and cost-efficient phage control strategies.

Global Survey and Genome Exploration of Bacteriophages Infecting the Lactic Acid Bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus

Despite the persistent and costly problem caused by (bacterio)phage predation of Streptococcus thermophilus in dairy plants, DNA sequence information relating to these phages remains limited. Genome sequencing is necessary to better understand the diversity and proliferative strategies of virulent phages. In this report, whole genome sequences of 40 distinct bacteriophages infecting S. thermophilus were analyzed for general characteristics, genomic structure and novel features. The bacteriophage genomes display a high degree of conservation within defined groupings, particularly across the structural modules. Supporting this observation, four novel members of a recently discovered third group of S. thermophilus phages (termed the 5093 group) were found to be conserved relative to both phage 5093 and to each other. Replication modules of S. thermophilus phages generally fall within two main groups, while such phage genomes typically encode one putative transcriptional regulator. Such features are indicative of widespread functional synteny across genetically distinct phage groups. Phage genomes also display nucleotide divergence between groups, and between individual phages of the same group (within replication modules and at the 3′ end of the lysis module)—through various insertions and/or deletions. A previously described multiplex PCR phage detection system was updated to reflect current knowledge on S. thermophilus phages. Furthermore, the structural protein complement as well as the antireceptor (responsible for the initial attachment of the phage to the host cell) of a representative of the 5093 group was defined. Our data more than triples the currently available genomic information on S. thermophilus phages, being of significant value to the dairy industry, where genetic knowledge of lytic phages is crucial for phage detection and monitoring purposes. In particular, the updated PCR detection methodology for S. thermophilus phages is highly useful in monitoring particular phage group(s) present in a given whey sample. Studies of this nature therefore not only provide information on the prevalence and associated threat of known S. thermophilus phages, but may also uncover newly emerging and genomically distinct phages infecting this dairy starter bacterium.

Detecting Lactococcus lactis Prophages by Mitomycin C-Mediated Induction Coupled to Flow Cytometry Analysis

Most analyzed Lactococcus lactis strains are predicted to harbor one or more prophage genomes within their chromosome; however, the true extent of the inducibility and functionality of such prophages cannot easily be deduced from sequence analysis alone. Chemical treatment of lysogenic strains with Mitomycin C is known to cause induction of temperate phages, though it is not always easy to clearly identify a lysogenic strain or to measure the number of released phage particles. Here, we report the application of flow cytometry as a reliable tool for the detection and enumeration of released lactococcal prophages using the green dye SYTO-9.

Prophage as a genetic reservoir: Promoting diversity and driving innovation in the host community

Sequencing of bacterial genomes has revealed an abundance of prophage sequences in many bacterial species. Since these sequences are accessible, through recombination, to infecting phages, bacteria carry an arsenal of genetic material that can be used by these viruses. We develop a mathematical model to isolate the effects of this phenomenon on the coevolution of temperate phage and bacteria. The model predicts that prophage sequences may play a key role in maintaining the phage population in situations that would otherwise favor host cell resistance. In addition, prophage recombination facilitates the existence of multiple phage types, thus promoting diverse co-existence in the phage-host ecosystem. Finally, because the host carries an archive of previous phage strategies, prophage recombination can drive waves of innovation in the host cell population.

Characterization of prophages of Lactococcus garvieae

This report describes the morphological characterization and genome analysis of an induced prophage (PLg-TB25) from a dairy strain of Lactococcus garvieae. The phage belongs to the Siphoviridae family and its morphology is typical of other lactococcal phages. A general analysis of its genome did not reveal similarities with other lactococcal phage genomes, confirming its novelty. However, similarities were found between genes of its morphogenesis cluster and genes of Gram-positive bacteria, suggesting that this phage genome resulted from recombination events that took place in a heterogeneous microbial environment. An in silico search for other prophages in 16 L. garvieae genomes available in public databases, uncovered eight seemingly complete prophages in strains isolated from dairy and fish niches. Genome analyses of these prophages revealed three novel L. garvieae phages. The remaining prophages had homology to phages of Lactococcus lactis (P335 group) suggesting a close relationship between these lactococcal species. The similarity in GC content of L. garvieae prophages to the genomes of L. lactis phages further supports the hypothesis that these phages likely originated from the same ancestor.

Prophage Provide a Safe Haven for Adaptive Exploration in Temperate Viruses

Prophage sequences constitute a substantial fraction of the temperate virus gene pool. Although subject to mutational decay, prophage sequences can also be an important source of adaptive mutations for these viral populations. Here we develop a life-history model for temperate viruses, including both the virulent (lytic) and the temperate phases of the life cycle. We then examine the survival of mutations that increase fitness during the lytic phase (attachment rate, burst size), increase fitness in the temperate phase (increasing host survival), or affect transitions between the two phases (integration or induction probability). We find that beneficial mutations are much more likely to survive, ultimately, if they first occur in the prophage state. This conclusion applies even to traits that are only expressed during the lytic phase, and arises due to the substantially lower variance in the offspring distribution during the temperate cycle. This observation, however, is balanced by the fact that many more mutations can be generated during lytic replication. Overall we predict that the prophage state provides a refuge, relatively shielded from genetic drift, in which temperate viruses can explore possible adaptive steps.

Genotypic, size and morphological diversity of virioplankton in a deep oligomesotrophic freshwater lake (Lac Pavin, France)

We examined changes in morphological and genomic diversities of viruses by means of transmission electronic microscopy and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) over a nine-month period (April-December 2005) at four different depths in the oligomesotrophic Lac Pavin. We found that the majority of viruses in this lake belonged to the family of Siphoviridae or were untailed, with capsid sizes ranging from 30 to 60nm, and exhibited genome sizes ranging from 15 to 45kb. On average, 12 different genotypes dominated each of the PFGE fingerprints. The highest genomic viral richness was recorded in summer (mean=14 bands per PFGE fingerprint) and in the epilimnion (mean=13 bands per PFGE fingerprint). Among the physico-chemical and biological variables considered, the availability of the hosts appeared to be the main factor regulating the variations in the viral diversity.

Identification and Analysis of a Novel Group of Bacteriophages Infecting the Lactic Acid Bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus

We present the complete genome sequences of four members of a novel group of phages infecting Streptococcus thermophilus, designated here as the 987 group. Members of this phage group appear to have resulted from genetic exchange events, as evidenced by their "hybrid" genomic architecture, exhibiting DNA sequence relatedness to the morphogenesis modules of certain P335 group Lactococcus lactis phages and to the replication modules of S. thermophilus phages. All four identified members of the 987 phage group were shown to elicit adsorption affinity to both their cognate S. thermophilus hosts and a particular L. lactis starter strain. The receptor binding protein of one of these phages (as a representative of this novel group) was defined using an adsorption inhibition assay. The emergence of a novel phage group infecting S. thermophilus highlights the continuous need for phage monitoring and development of new phage control measures.

IMPORTANCE

Phage predation of S. thermophilus is an important issue for the dairy industry, where viral contamination can lead to fermentation inefficiency or complete fermentation failure. Genome information and phage-host interaction studies of S. thermophilus phages, particularly those emerging in the marketplace, are an important part of limiting the detrimental impact of these viruses in the dairy environment.

A mobile genetic element profoundly increases heat resistance of bacterial spores

Bacterial endospores are among the most resilient forms of life on earth and are intrinsically resistant to extreme environments and antimicrobial treatments. Their resilience is explained by unique cellular structures formed by a complex developmental process often initiated in response to nutrient deprivation. Although the macromolecular structures of spores from different bacterial species are similar, their resistance to environmental insults differs widely. It is not known which of the factors attributed to spore resistance confer very high-level heat resistance. Here, we provide conclusive evidence that in Bacillus subtilis, this is due to the presence of a mobile genetic element (Tn1546-like) carrying five predicted operons, one of which contains genes that encode homologs of SpoVAC, SpoVAD and SpoVAEb and four other genes encoding proteins with unknown functions. This operon, named spoVA^2mob, confers high-level heat resistance to spores. Deletion of spoVA^2mob in a B. subtilis strain carrying Tn1546 renders heat-sensitive spores while transfer of spoVA^2mob into B. subtilis 168 yields highly heat-resistant spores. On the basis of the genetic conservation of different spoVA operons among spore-forming species of Bacillaceae, we propose an evolutionary scenario for the emergence of extremely heat-resistant spores in B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens. This discovery opens up avenues for improved detection and control of spore-forming bacteria able to produce highly heat-resistant spores.

Bacteriophages and dairy fermentations

This review highlights the main strategies available to control phage infection during large-scale milk fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. The topics that are emphasized include the factors influencing bacterial activities, the sources of phage contamination, the methods available to detect and quantify phages, as well as practical solutions to limit phage dispersion through an adapted factory design, the control of air flow, the use of adequate sanitizers, the restricted used of recycled products, and the selection and growth of bacterial cultures.

A new Microviridae phage isolated from a failed biotechnological process driven by Escherichia coli

Bacteriophages are present in every environment that supports bacterial growth, including man made ecological niches. Virulent phages may even slow or, in more severe cases, interrupt bioprocesses driven by bacteria. Escherichia coli is one of the most widely used bacteria for large-scale bioprocesses; however, literature describing phage-host interactions in this industrial context is sparse. Here, we describe phage MED1 isolated from a failed industrial process. Phage MED1 (Microviridae family, with a single-stranded DNA [ssDNA] genome) is highly similar to the archetypal phage phiX174, sharing >95% identity between their genomic sequences. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis of 52 microvirus genomes from public databases revealed three genotypes (alpha3, G4, and phiX174). Phage MED1 belongs to the phiX174 group. We analyzed the distribution of single nucleotide variants in MED1 and 18 other phiX174-like genomes and found that there are more missense mutations in genes G, B, and E than in the other genes of these genomes. Gene G encodes the spike protein, involved in host attachment. The evolution of this protein likely results from the selective pressure on phages to rapidly adapt to the molecular diversity found at the surface of their hosts.

CRISPR-Cas: an efficient tool for genome engineering of virulent bacteriophages

Bacteriophages are now widely recognized as major players in a wide variety of ecosystems. Novel genes are often identified in newly isolated phages as well as in environmental metavirome studies. Most of these novel viral genes have unknown functions but appear to be coding for small, non-structural proteins. To understand their biological role, very efficient genetic tools are required to modify them, especially in the genome of virulent phages. We first show that specific point mutations and large deletions can be engineered in the genome of the virulent phage 2972 using the Streptococcus thermophilus CRISPR-Cas Type II-A system as a selective pressure to increase recombination efficiencies. Of significance, all the plaques tested contained recombinant phages with the desired mutation. Furthermore, we show that the CRISPR-Cas engineering system can be used to efficiently introduce a functional methyltransferase gene into a virulent phage genome. Finally, synthetic CRISPR bacteriophage insensitive mutants were constructed by cloning a spacer-repeat unit in a low-copy vector illustrating the possibility to target multiple regions of the phage genome. Taken together, this data shows that the CRISPR-Cas system is an efficient and adaptable tool for editing the otherwise intractable genomes of virulent phages and to better understand phage-host interactions.

Characterization of temperate phages infecting Clostridium difficile isolates of human and animal origins

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive pathogen infecting humans and animals. Recent studies suggest that animals could represent potential reservoirs of C. difficile that could then transfer to humans. Temperate phages contribute to the evolution of most bacteria, for example, by promoting the transduction of virulence, fitness, and antibiotic resistance genes. In C. difficile, little is known about their role, mainly because suitable propagating hosts and conditions are lacking. Here we report the isolation, propagation, and preliminary characterization of nine temperate phages from animal and human C. difficile isolates. Prophages were induced by UV light from 58 C. difficile isolates of animal and human origins. Using soft agar overlays with 27 different C. difficile test strains, we isolated and further propagated nine temperate phages: two from horse isolates (ΦCD481-1 and ΦCD481-2), three from dog isolates (ΦCD505, ΦCD506, and ΦCD508), and four from human isolates (ΦCD24-2, ΦCD111, ΦCD146, and ΦCD526). Two phages are members of the Siphoviridae family (ΦCD111 and ΦCD146), while the others are Myoviridae phages. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and restriction enzyme analyses showed that all of the phages had unique double-stranded DNA genomes of 30 to 60 kb. Phages induced from human C. difficile isolates, especially the members of the Siphoviridae family, had a broader host range than phages from animal C. difficile isolates. Nevertheless, most of the phages could infect both human and animal strains. Phage transduction of antibiotic resistance was recently reported in C. difficile. Our findings therefore call for further investigation of the potential risk of transduction between animal and human C. difficile isolates.

Identification of a new P335 subgroup through molecular analysis of lactococcal phages Q33 and BM13

Lactococcal dairy starter strains are under constant threat from phages in dairy fermentation facilities, especially by members of the so-called 936, P335, and c2 species. Among these three phage groups, members of the P335 species are the most genetically diverse. Here, we present the complete genome sequences of two P335-type phages, Q33 and BM13, isolated in North America and representing a novel lineage within this phage group. The Q33 and BM13 genomes exhibit homology, not only to P335-type, but also to elements of the 936-type phage sequences. The two phage genomes also have close relatedness to phages infecting Enterococcus and Clostridium, a heretofore unknown feature among lactococcal P335 phages. The Q33 and BM13 genomes are organized in functionally related clusters with genes encoding functions such as DNA replication and packaging, morphogenesis, and host cell lysis. Electron micrographic analysis of the two phages highlights the presence of a baseplate more reminiscent of the baseplate of 936 phages than that of the majority of members of the P335 group, with the exception of r1t and LC3.

Importance of prophages to evolution and virulence of bacterial pathogens

Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are viruses infecting bacteria. With an estimated 10³¹ particles in the biosphere, phages outnumber bacteria by a factor of at least 10 and not surprisingly, they influence the evolution of most bacterial species, sometimes in unexpected ways. “Temperate” phages have the ability to integrate into the chromosome of their host upon infection, where they can reside as “quiescent” prophages until conditions favor their reactivation. Lysogenic conversion resulting from the integration of prophages encoding powerful toxins is probably the most determinant contribution of prophages to the evolution of pathogenic bacteria. We currently grasp only a small fraction of the total phage diversity. Phage biologists keep unraveling novel mechanisms developed by phages to parasitize their host. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of some of the various ways by which prophages change the lifestyle and boost virulence of some of the most dangerous bacterial pathogens.

Evidence of in vivo prophage induction during Clostridium difficile infection

Prophages contribute to the evolution and virulence of most bacterial pathogens, but their role in Clostridium difficile is unclear. Here we describe the isolation of four Myoviridae phages, ΦMMP01, ΦMMP02, ΦMMP03, and ΦMMP04, that were recovered as free viral particles in the filter-sterilized stool supernatants of patients suffering from C. difficile infection (CDI). Furthermore, identical prophages were found in the chromosomes of C. difficile isolated from the corresponding fecal samples. We therefore provide, for the first time, evidence of in vivo prophage induction during CDI. We completely sequenced the genomes of ΦMMP02 and ΦMMP04, and bioinformatics analyses did not reveal the presence of virulence factors but underlined the unique character of ΦMMP04. We also studied the mobility of ΦMMP02 and ΦMMP04 prophages in vitro. Both prophages were spontaneously induced, with 4 to 5 log PFU/ml detected in the culture supernatants of the corresponding lysogens. When lysogens were grown in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, or mitomycin C, the phage titers further increased, reaching 8 to 9 log PFU/ml in the case of ΦMMP04. In summary, our study highlights the extensive genetic diversity and mobility of C. difficile prophages. Moreover, antibiotics known to represent risk factors for CDI, such as quinolones, can stimulate prophage mobility in vitro and probably in vivo as well, which underscores their potential impact on phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer events and the evolution of C. difficile.

Involvement of the major capsid protein and two early-expressed phage genes in the activity of the lactococcal abortive infection mechanism AbiT

The dairy industry uses the mesophilic, Gram-positive, lactic acid bacterium (LAB) Lactococcus lactis to produce an array of fermented milk products. Milk fermentation processes are susceptible to contamination by virulent phages, but a plethora of phage control strategies are available. One of the most efficient is to use LAB strains carrying phage resistance systems such as abortive infection (Abi) mechanisms. Yet, the mode of action of most Abi systems remains poorly documented. Here, we shed further light on the antiviral activity of the lactococcal AbiT system. Twenty-eight AbiT-resistant phage mutants derived from the wild-type AbiT-sensitive lactococcal phages p2, bIL170, and P008 were isolated and characterized. Comparative genomic analyses identified three different genes that were mutated in these virulent AbiT-insensitive phage derivatives: e14 (bIL170 [e14(bIL170)]), orf41 (P008 [orf41(P008)]), and orf6 (p2 [orf6(p2)] and P008 [orf6(P008)]). The genes e14(bIL170) and orf41(P008) are part of the early-expressed genomic region, but bioinformatic analyses did not identify their putative function. orf6 is found in the phage morphogenesis module. Antibodies were raised against purified recombinant ORF6, and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that it is the major capsid protein (MCP). Coexpression in L. lactis of ORF6(p2) and ORF5(p2), a protease, led to the formation of procapsids. To our knowledge, AbiT is the first Abi system involving distinct phage genes.

Multilocus sequence typing scheme for the characterization of 936-like phages infecting Lactococcus lactis

Lactococcus lactis phage infections are costly for the dairy industry because they can slow down the fermentation process and adversely impact product safety and quality. Although many strategies have been developed to better control phage populations, new virulent phages continue to emerge. Thus, it is beneficial to develop an efficient method for the routine identification of new phages within a dairy plant to rapidly adapt antiphage tactics. Here, we present a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for the characterization of the 936-like phages, the most prevalent phage group infecting L. lactis strains worldwide. The proposed MLST system targets the internal portion of five highly conserved genomic sequences belonging to the packaging, morphogenesis, and lysis modules. Our MLST scheme was used to analyze 100 phages with different restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns isolated from 11 different countries between 1971 and 2010. PCR products were obtained for all the phages analyzed, and sequence analysis highlighted the high discriminatory power of the MLST system, detecting 93 different sequence types. A conserved locus within the lys gene (coding for endolysin) was the most discriminative, with 65 distinct alleles. The locus within the mcp gene (major capsid protein) was the most conserved (54 distinct alleles). Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated sequences exhibited a strong concordance of the clusters with the phage host range, indicating the clonal evolution of these phages. A public database has been set up for the proposed MLST system, and it can be accessed at http://pubmlst.org/bacteriophages/.

Bacteriophages φMR299-2 and φNH-4 can eliminate Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the murine lung and on cystic fibrosis lung airway cells

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infection in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas are major problems that can complicate antibiotic therapy. We evaluated the efficacy of using bacteriophages to kill the pathogen in both biofilms and in the murine lung. We isolated and characterized two phages from a local wastewater treatment plant, a myovirus (ϕNH-4) and a podovirus (ϕMR299-2). Both phages were active against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Together, the two phages killed all 9 clinical isolate strains tested, including both mucoid and nonmucoid strains. An equal mixture of the two phages was effective in killing P. aeruginosa NH57388A (mucoid) and P. aeruginosa MR299 (nonmucoid) strains when growing as a biofilm on a cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial CFBE41o- cell line. Phage titers increased almost 100-fold over a 24-h period, confirming replication of the phage. Furthermore, the phage mix was also effective in killing the pathogen in murine lungs containing 1 × 10⁷ to 2 × 10⁷P. aeruginosa. Pseudomonas was effectively cleared (reduced by a magnitude of at least 3 to 4 log units) from murine lungs in 6 h. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of these two phages in killing clinical Pseudomonas isolates in the murine lung or as a biofilm on a pulmonary cell line and supports the growing interest in using phage therapy for the control and treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas lung infections in CF patients.

Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, nonantibiotic therapies are required for the treatment of infection. This is particularly true for the treatment of Pseudomonas infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. We have identified two bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) that can kill Pseudomonas growing on human lung cells and in an animal model of lung infection. The use of bacteriophages is particularly appropriate because the killing agent can replicate on the target cell, generating fresh copies of the bacteriophage. Thus, in the presence of a target, the killing agent multiplies. By using two bacteriophages we can reduce the risk of resistant colonies developing at the site of infection. Bacteriophage therapy is an exciting field, and this study represents an important demonstration of efficacy in validated infection models.