Isolation, characterization and comparative genomics of bacteriophage SfIV: a novel serotype converting phage from Shigella flexneri.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shigella flexneri is the major cause of shigellosis in the developing countries. The O-antigen component of the lipopolysaccharide is one of the key virulence determinants required for the pathogenesis of S. flexneri. The glucosyltransferase and/or acetyltransferase genes responsible for the modification of the O-antigen are encoded by temperate serotype converting bacteriophage present in the S. flexneri genome. Several serotype converting phages have previously been isolated and characterized, however, attempts to isolate a serotype converting phage which encodes the modification genes of serotypes 4a strain have not been successful.

Results

In this study, a novel temperate serotype converting bacteriophage SfIV was isolated. Lysogenisation of phage SfIV convert

SUBMITTER: Jakhetia R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3851460 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature