Novel Bacillus-Infecting Bacteriophage B13—The Founding Member of the Proposed New Genus Bunatrivirus

Abstract

In this work, we describe a novel temperate bacteriophage, Bacillus phage B13. Bacillus-infecting phages are widespread and abundant, though often overlooked including because of their temperate lifestyle. B13 was isolated from its bacterial host via mitomycin C induction. Its host range was determined, and its pH and thermal stability were evaluated. The whole genome of B13 was sequenced and annotated. The genome is 36,864 bp long and contains 53 genes. The tail genes of B13 suggest that the phage has a siphovirus morphotype. It was found both in vitro and in silico that the phage uses the 3′-cos DNA packaging strategy, and the phage genome termini were located. Comparative analyses revealed that B13 has no close relatives and should therefore be assigned to a new viral genus, for which we propose the name Bunatrivirus.

Characterization and Genome Study of a Newly Isolated Temperate Phage Belonging to a New Genus Targeting Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris

“…Similar results were obtained in the study conducted by Kozantsev et al [ 73 ], where the growth kinetics of Bacillus cereus strain VKM B-370 after infection with the lysogenic phage B13 at different MOIs was determined. It was shown that the higher the MOI, the faster the partial growth inhibition was achieved.…”

“…The lower values of the specific growth-rate coefficient (µ) determined for the phage-infected cultures indicate the significant inhibition of cell divisions in the log phase. Similar results were obtained in the study conducted by Kozantsev et al [73], where the growth kinetics of Bacillus cereus strain VKM B-370 after infection with the lysogenic phage B13 at different MOIs was determined. It was shown that the higher the MOI, the faster the partial growth inhibition was achieved.…”

“…The addition of phages to the culture of the A. acidoterrestris strain KKP 3133 caused a shorter logarithmic phase of host growth compared to the control culture. A slight increase in optical density may indicate the acquisition of resistance to the phage used, a transition to the lysogenic cycle, or an increase in the number of cells [ 72 , 73 ]. In the course of their evolution, bacteria have developed a number of defense mechanisms to protect cells from phage infection.…”

Genome, biology and stability of the Thurquoise phage – A new virus from the Bastillevirinae subfamily

“…Similarly to the Thurquoise, phage SIOphi – a herellevirus infecting B. subtilis , is inactivated in 60°C though the process is markedly slower ( Krasowska et al, 2015 ). Also a B. cereus BaceCM02 phage (that is unclassified but resembles Thurquoise morphologically) is sensitive to 50°C ( Phongtang and Chukeatirote, 2021 ; Kazantseva et al, 2022 ). Only ( Lee et al, 2014 ) claim that phages BPS10C, and BPS13 that are related to Thurquoise at the subfamily level, are stable at 50°C but fail to present raw data supporting this assertion.…”