Genome Sequence and Characterization of Coliphage vB-Eco-SLUR29

Abstract

Background: Bacteriophages that infect Escherichia coli are relatively easily isolated, with >600 coliphage genomes sequenced to date. Despite this there is still much to be discovered about the diversity of coliphage genomes. Materials and Methods: Within this study, we isolated a coliphage from cattle slurry collected from a farm in rural England. Results: Transmission electron microscopy identified the phage as member of the Siphoviridae family. Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics further placed it within the subfamily Tunavirinae and forms part of a new genus. Conclusions: Characterization of the lytic properties of vB-Eco-SLUR29 reveals that it is rapidly able to lyse its host when infected at high multiplicity of infection, but not at low multiplicity of infection.