UV-Sensitivity of Shiga Toxin-Converting Bacteriophage Virions Φ24B, 933W, P22, P27 and P32

• DOI: 10.3390/toxins7093727
• Publication Date: 2015-09-21T14:17:32Z
• Authors: Sylwia Bloch; Bożena Nejman-Fal...; Gracja Topka; Aleksandra Dydecka; Katarzyna Licznerska; Magdalena Narajczyk; Agnieszka Necel; Alicja Węgrzyn; Grzegorz Węgrzyn
• Keywords: Lytic cycle; Prophage; Infectivity

Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages (Stx phages) are present as prophages in toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains. Theses phages can be transmitted to previously non-pathogenic E. cells making them potential producers of toxins, they bear genes for these toxins their genomes. Therefore, sensitivity Stx phage virions various conditions is important both natural processes spreading viruses and prophylactic control appearance novel pathogenic In this report we provide evidence that significantly more sensitive UV irradiation than bacteriophage λ. Following at the dose 50 J/m2, infectivity dropped by 1–3 log10, depending on kind phage. Under conditions, a considerable release DNA from was observed, electron microscopy analyses indicated large proportion partially damaged virions. Infection with UV-irradiated resulted decreased levels expression N cro genes, crucial lytic development. We conclude inactivation caused relatively low light due damage capsids prevents effective infection host cells.