Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Published: January 2023
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Despite the ecological significance of viral communities, phages remain insufficiently studied. Current genomic databases lack high-quality phage genome sequences linked to specific bacteria. Bacteria of the genus Erwinia are known to colonize the phyllosphere of plants, both as commensals and as pathogens. We isolated three Erwinia billingiae phages-Zoomie, Pecta, and Snitter-from organic household waste. Based on sequence similarity to their closest relatives, we propose that they represent three new genera: "Pectavirus" within the family Zobellviridae, "Snittervirus" in the subfamily Tempevirinae, family Drexlerviridae, and "Zoomievirus" within the family Autographiviridae, which, together with the genus Limelightvirus, may constitute a new subfamily.
State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Life Sciences, Biomass Energy Center for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
Background: Bioconversion of plant biomass into biofuels and bio-products produces large amounts of lignin. The aromatic biopolymers need to be degraded before being converted into value-added bio-products. Microbes can be environment-friendly and efficiently degrade lignin.
Despite the ecological significance of viral communities, phages remain insufficiently studied. Current genomic databases lack high-quality phage genome sequences linked to specific bacteria. Bacteria of the genus Erwinia are known to colonize the phyllosphere of plants, both as commensals and as pathogens.
Although crucial in shaping bacterial communities, few bacteriophages of the phyllosphere have been described. We provide genome data for two phages, AH04 and AH06, isolated on Erwinia billingiae strains. AH04 shares limited genetic similarity with previously described phages, while AH06 shares over 75% similarity with various phages.
is a genus within the whose members encompass free-living and host-associated lifestyles. Despite our growing understanding of the role of mobile genetic elements in the biology, ecology, and evolution of this bacterial group, few bacteriophages have been identified and characterized. A bacteriophage that could infect was isolated from barnyard soil.
In 2017 in France, we treated a patient with knee septic arthritis caused by Erwinia billingiae after trauma involving a palm tree. This rare pathogen could only be identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. For bacterial infections after injuries with plants, 16S rRNA gene sequencing might be required for species identification.
