Characterization and complete genome analysis of Klebsiella phage Kp109 with lytic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae

In this study, isolation, microbiological and genomic characterization of bacteriophage Kp109 having the ability to infectK. pneumoniae has been shown. Phage Kp109 showed good killing efficiency and tolerance to a broad range of temperatures (4 –60 °C) and pH (3–9). Transmission electron microscopy and genomic analysis indicated that phage Kp109 belongs to the genusWebervirus and familyDrexlerviridae. Genomic analysis showed that the Kp109 has a 51,630  bp long double-stranded DNA genome with a GC content of 51.64%. The absence of known lysogenic, virulence, and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in its genome makes phage Kp109 safer to be used as a biocontrol agent for different purposes including phage therapy. The computational analysis of the putative endolysin gene revealed a binding energy of − 6.23 kcal/mol between LysKp109 and ligand NAM-NAG showing its potential to be used as an enzybiotic. However, future research is required for experimental validation of thein silico work to further corroborate the results obtained in the present study. Overall, phenotypic, genomic, and computational characterization performed in the present study showed that phages Kp109 and LysKp109 are promising candidates for futurein vivo studies and could potentially be used for controllingK. pneumoniae infection.
Source: Virus Genes - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research