Comparative Genomic Analysis of Prophages in Human Vaginal Isolates of .

Prophages, viral genomes integrated into bacterial genomes, are known to enhance bacterial colonization, adaptation, and ecological fitness, providing a better chance for pathogenic bacteria to disseminate and cause infection. (Group B Streptococcus or GBS) is a common bacterium found colonizing the genitourinary tract of humans. However, GBS-colonized pregnant women are at risk of passing the organism to the neonate, where it can cause severe infections.

Heterogeneity of the group B streptococcal type VII secretion system and influence on colonization of the female genital tract.

Type VIIb secretion systems (T7SSb) in Gram-positive bacteria facilitate physiology, interbacterial competition, and/or virulence via EssC ATPase-driven secretion of small ɑ-helical proteins and toxins. Recently, we characterized T7SSb in group B Streptococcus (GBS), a leading cause of infection in newborns and immunocompromised adults. GBS T7SS comprises four subtypes based on variation in the C-terminus of EssC and the repertoire of downstream effectors; however, the intraspecies diversity of GBS T7SS and impact on GBS-host interactions remains unknown.

Heterogeneity of the group B streptococcal type VII secretion system and influence on colonization of the female genital tract.

Type VIIb secretion systems (T7SSb) in Gram-positive bacteria facilitate physiology, interbacterial competition, and/or virulence via EssC ATPase-driven secretion of small ɑ-helical proteins and toxins. Recently, we characterized T7SSb in group B (GBS), a leading cause of infection in newborns and immunocompromised adults. GBS T7SS comprises four subtypes based on variation in the C-terminus of EssC and the repertoire of downstream effectors; however, the intra-species diversity of GBS T7SS and impact on GBS-host interactions remains unknown.