Long-term persistence of crAss-like phage crAss001 is associated with phase variation in Bacteroides intestinalis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The crAss-like phages are ubiquitous and highly abundant members of the human gut virome that infect commensal bacteria of the order Bacteroidales. Although incapable of lysogeny, these viruses demonstrate long-term persistence in the human gut microbiome, dominating the virome in some individuals.

Results

Here we show that rapid phase variation of alternate capsular polysaccharides in Bacteroides intestinalis cultures plays an important role in a dynamic equilibrium between phage sensitivity and resistance, allowing phage and bacteria to multiply in parallel. The data also suggests the role of a concomitant phage persistence mechanism associated with delayed lysis of infected cells, similar to carrier state infection. From an ecological and evolutionary standpoin

SUBMITTER: Shkoporov AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8375218 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature