Phagovet

Campylobacter specific bacteriophages from poultry sources

In this study, researchers isolated and characterized 304 specific bacteriophages targeting Campylobacter bacteria and derived from broilers and pigs.

Genome size analysis revealed that these phages, designated CAM1-CAM304, belong to group II and III of the campylophage family. Host range tests showed high specificity for specific Campylobacter strains, with some phages able to infect multiple strains while others targeted only one strain.

The most promising candidates were selected based on their effective lytic activity against the bacterial targets. Further analysis of genetic diversity was performed using specific enzymes.

These results provide valuable insight into the potential for using these phages as biocontrol agents for Campylobacter infections in animals and contaminated food.

The authors Ibai Nafarrate, Estibaliz Mateo, Katherine Miranda-Cadena, and Amaia Lasagabaster published their findings in the article Isolation, host specificity and genetic characterization of Campylobacter specific bacteriophages from poultry and swine sources, dated 1 August 2021.

Key topics:

  • This study reports the isolation and characterization of 304 Campylobacter-specific bacteriophages.
  • Characterization of genome size classified these isolates into two groups: Group II (n = 18) and Group III (n = 286).
  • Host spectrum analyses revealed high host specificity among isolates in the same group. Campylophages in group II were able to infect C. jejuni, C. coli, and even a C. fetus strain, while those in group III infected only C. jejuni strains.
  • RFLP was used to assess genetic diversity among campylophage candidates, and RAPD-PCR was also tested for its effectiveness in genetically characterizing campylophages (which proved effective only for those in group II).
  • Thirteen group II and 8 group III campylophages were differentiated based on all approaches tested. These bacteriophages will be subjected to in-depth analysis to confirm their potential for biological control of Campylobacter in the farm-to-fork process.
Campylobacter specific bacteriophages from poultry

Abstract

The isolation and characterization of 304 Campylobacter specific bacteriophage isolates from broiler and swine sources is reported in this study.

Genome size characterization determined by PFGE classified these isolates,called CAM1-CAM304, within the campylophages group II (n = 18) and group III (n = 286).

Host range analyses showed a high host specificity and similar lytic spectrum among isolates of the same group. Campylophages of group II infected C. jejuni, C. coli and even a C. fetus strain whereas those of group III only infected C. jejuni strains.

The most promising 59 campylophage candidates were selected according to their lytic activity and their genetic diversity was analyzed by RFLP using SmiI and HhaI endonucleases for group II and III campylophages, respectively. Moreover, RAPD-PCR technique was for the first time assessed in the genetic characterization of campylophages and it was shown to be effective only for those of group II.

Bacteriophage isolates grouped in a same genotype displayed different host ranges, therefore, 13 campylophages of group II and eight of group III were differentiated considering all the approaches assayed.

An in-depth analysis of these bacteriophages will be performed to confirm their promising potential for the biocontrol of Campylobacter within the farm to fork process.

Keywords: Biocontrol; Campylophage; Lytic spectrum; PFGE; RAPD-PCR; RFLP.

Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.