Extensive hidden prophage diversity in Enterobacter species reveals host specificity and local distribution.

ABSTRACT: Bacteriophages are key drivers of bacterial evolution, particularly through their integration as prophages within host genomes. However, the diversity and host specificity of prophages in relevant pathogens such as Enterobacter species remain poorly characterized. In this study, we revealed the diversity of prophages, mapped their distribution and explored their relationships with their bacterial hosts. We analysed 3,661 prophage sequences identified from the genomes of 20 different Enterobacter species. This analysis uncovered an extensive hidden diversity, comprising 1,617 phage genera and 2,423 phage species - nearly 80% of which were singletons - highlighting an exceptionally rich prophage landscape. We found substantial variation in prophage species richness across host

SUBMITTER: Bours-Lugo DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12851794 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature