Comparative genomics reveals diversity and taxonomic relationships among <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> phages.

ABSTRACT: Clostridioides difficile is associated with life-threatening antibiotic-associated diarrhea, colitis, and toxin-mediated infections. While antibiotics are the primary treatment against C. difficile infections, increasing resistance necessitates alternatives. Bacteriophages and bacteriophage-derived proteins, such as endolysins, hold promise as potential solutions. Understanding phage biology at the genomic level is crucial for their therapeutic use. We conducted a comparative genomic analysis of 44 C. difficile phage genomes from public databases, examining both whole-genome and proteome levels and grouping them by shared protein content. Relationships within each group were observed, and core and highly conserved genes were identified. Using genome and proteome

SUBMITTER: Rolin MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12671070 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature