Molecular characterization of the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Vi-typing bacteriophage E1.

ABSTRACT: Some bacteriophages target potentially pathogenic bacteria by exploiting surface-associated virulence factors as receptors. For example, phage have been identified that exhibit specificity for Vi capsule producing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Here we have characterized the Vi-associated E1-typing bacteriophage using a number of molecular approaches. The absolute requirement for Vi capsule expression for infectivity was demonstrated using different Vi-negative S. enterica derivatives. The phage particles were shown to have an icosahedral head and a long noncontractile tail structure. The genome is 45,362 bp in length with defined capsid and tail regions that exhibit significant homology to the S. enterica transducing phage ES18. Mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of a

SUBMITTER: Pickard D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2293211 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature