Paenibacilluslarvae-Directed Bacteriophage HB10c2 and Its Application in American Foulbrood-Affected Honey Bee Larvae

Abstract

dPaenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB), the most serious honey bee brood bacterial disease. We isolated and characterized P. larvae-directed bacteriophages and developed criteria for safe phage therapy. Whole-genome analysis of a highly lytic virus of the family Siphoviridae (HB10c2) provided a detailed safety profile and uncovered its lysogenic nature and a putative beta-lactamase-like protein. To rate its antagonistic activity against the pathogens targeted and to specify potentially harmful effects on the bee population and the environment, P. larvae genotypes ERIC I to IV, representatives of the bee gut microbiota, and a broad panel of members of the order Bacillales were analyzed for phage HB10c2-induced lysis. Breeding assays with infected bee larvae revealed that the in vitro phage activity observed was not predictive of the real-life scenario and therapeutic efficacy. On the basis of the disclosed P. larvae-bacteriophage coevolution, we discuss the future prospects of AFB phage therapy.

Identification and genomic comparison of temperate bacteriophages derived from emetic Bacillus cereus

“…82% similarity with that of vB_BceS-IEBH (YP_002154378.1) and Tp250 (YP_009219585.1), all carrying icosahedron head structures [ 19 , 20 ]. The MCP of PfEFR-4 (ORF9) showed 82% similarity with that of Paenibacillus phage HB10c2 (YP_009195195.1), both carrying a similar elongated head [ 26 ], which is a relatively rare morphology for bacterial phages. The MCP (ORF5) of 11143 had 64% similarity with that of vB_BhaS-171 (YP_00927333.1), but no significant similarity with that of the other four compared phages.…”

Novel probiotic approach to counter Paenibacillus larvae infection in honey bees

“…Measures to control AFB in apiaries include antibiotic treatment [13], selective breeding for hygienic behaviour [14], application of bioactive essential oils [15], bacteriophage therapy [16], and administration of synthetic indoles to inhibit germination of P. larvae [17]. These disease management approaches are helpful but often ineffective, and hives remain vulnerable to AFB.…”

Paenibacillus larvae Phage Tripp Genome Has 378-Base-Pair Terminal Repeats

“…The genome of P. larvae phage Tripp differs considerably from the genomes of other Siphoviridae P. larvae -infecting bacteriophages isolated in North Carolina ( 2 ) and from elsewhere in the world ( 6 – 8 ). While all other P. larvae phages to date are cos type with 5′ or 3′ overhanging ends, Tripp has terminal repeats of 378 bp.…”