A Phylogenetic Host-Range Index Reveals Ecological Constraints in Phage Specialisation and Virulence.

ABSTRACT: Phages are typically known for having a limited host range, targeting particular strains within a bacterial species, but accurately measuring their specificity remains challenging. Factors like the genetic diversity or population dynamics of host bacteria are often disregarded despite their potential influence on phage specialisation and virulence. This study focuses on the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), which comprises genetically diverse bacteria responsible for a major plant disease. It uses a diversified collection of RSSC phages to develop new host-range analysis methods and to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses on phage host range. We introduce a new 'phylogenetic host-range index' that employs an ecological diversity index to account for the genetic diversit

SUBMITTER: Torres-Barcelo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421481 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature