The Role of Temperate Phages in Bacterial Pathogenicity

Abstract

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and archaea and are classified as virulent or temperate phages based on their life cycles. A temperate phage, also known as a lysogenic phage, integrates its genomes into host bacterial chromosomes as a prophage. Previous studies have indicated that temperate phages are beneficial to their susceptible bacterial hosts by introducing additional genes to bacterial chromosomes, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. This article reviewed three primary ways temperate phages contribute to the bacterial pathogenicity of foodborne pathogens, including phage-mediated virulence gene transfer, antibiotic resistance gene mobilization, and biofilm formation. This study provides insights into mechanisms of phage–bacterium interactions in the context of foodborne pathogens and provokes new considerations for further research to avoid the potential of phage-mediated harmful gene transfer in agricultural environments.

Geographical distribution of mobile genetic elements in microbial communities along the Yucatan coast

“…These elements contribute to the diversification of the bacterial genome architecture; for instance, they can act as anchor points for genome inversions. As a consequence, phages have emerged as the main suspects in the adaptation of pathogens to new hosts and in the emergence of new pathogens or transfer of ARGs [ 60 – 62 ], as well as in facilitating adaptation to various environmental niches. Unlike Palmar and Sisal, where phage-related functions were highly abundant, the number of species associated with the phage class in Progreso and Dzilam was lower.…”

Complete genome and characteristics of cluster BC bacteriophage SoJo, isolated using Streptomyces mirabilis NRRL B-2400 in Columbia, MD

“…Bacteriophages are a prospective treatment option for bacterial infections that are difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics. Typically, lytic phages are studied for their potential efficacy in these cases, but studying lysogenic phages lends greater insight into bacterial pathogenicity via phage gene transfer ( 1 ). Streptomyces bacteriophage SoJo was directly isolated from warm (25°C), dry, and coarse dirt collected from Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, MD, USA (39.182121 N, 76.843525 W) using the bacterial host Streptomyces mirabilis NRRL B-2400.…”

The Antibacterial Activity of Novel Bacteriophages and the Emergence of Bacterial Resistance to Phage Infections: An In Vitro Study

“…Although phage-based therapy does not replace antibiotics, and guidelines and protocols are needed to standardize their manufacturing because not all phages are suitable for phage therapy, the applicability of this therapy could span the agriculture, aquaculture, dentistry, and veterinary medicine fields [7,8]. So-called temperate phages can transmit, through transduction or transformation, horizontal genes to bacteria, which acquire virulence factors and/or antimicrobial resistance because they integrate the genetic material of the virus (prophage) into their chromosome, and that material is then propagated with each cell division [9]. Lytic phages promote bacterial lysis in the final phase of their cycle, releasing new viral particles capable of infecting nearby bacteria, and the extracellular DNA of the bacteria.…”