Isolation and characterization of Salmonella enterica- and Escherichia coli-specific bacteriophages of the genus Epseptimavirus from wastewater in Minnesota
摘要
Five lytic bacteriophages specific for Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were isolated from wastewater in Minnesota. These phages, designated vB_Sal_EH1, vB_Sal_EH2, vB_Sal_EH3, vB_Sal_EH4, and vB_Sal_EH7, were characterized, and their genomes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they grouped within the genus Epseptimavirus, with genome sizes ranging from 108,554 to 115,218 bp. All five phages exhibited lytic activity against both S. enterica and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7. Transposon mutagenesis of the host genome identified the outer membrane protein BtuB as essential for phage infection, suggesting that it is a putative receptor. Genome sequence comparisons revealed genetic loci that are variable among the isolated phages and potentially influence their host specificity and virulence.