Characterization of the novel temperate Escherichia coli phage phiStx2k

AbstractA novel temperate phage, phiStx2k, was induced from a clinicalEscherichia coli isolate producing Shiga toxin (Stx) 2k. The phage particles have an icosahedral head (50 nm in diameter) and a long non-contractile tail (149 nm long). The phage genome consists of 46,647 bp of double-stranded DNA with an average G  + C content of 51%. Genome sequence comparisons suggested that phiStx2k represents a new genus in the classCaudoviricetes. phiStx2k was capable of converting non-Stx-producingE. coli strains to Stx producers. These results expand our knowledge on the characteristics of Stx phages and highlight the potential risks of the emergence of Stx-producing strains or novel pathogens via horizontal gene transfer.
Source: Archives of Virology - Category: Virology Source Type: research