Co-evolution with lytic phage selects for the mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25.

ABSTRACT: The effects of co-evolution with lytic phage on bacterial virulence-related traits are largely unknown. In this study we investigate the incidence of the mucoid phenotype of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 in response to co-evolution with the lytic phage phi2 (φ2). The mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas spp. is due to overproduction of alginate and is a considerable virulence factor contributing to the intractability of infections most notably in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, but also in pathogenic infections of plants. Our data show that this phenotype can evolve as an adaptive response to phage predation and is favoured under specific abiotic conditions, in particular a homogenous spatial structure and a high rate of nutrient replacement. The mucoid phenotype remains partially sens

SUBMITTER: Scanlan PD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3358020 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature