Screening and in silico characterization of prophages in Helicobacter pylori clinical strains

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Ferreira, R (Author) Other; Pinto, G (Author) Other; Presa, E (Author) Other; Oleastro, M (Author) Other; Silva, C (Author) Other; Vieira, L (Author) Other; Sousa, C (Author) Other; Pires, P (Author) Other; Figueiredo C (Author) FMUP; Melo, DR (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Microbes and Infection

ISSN: 1286-4579

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-977

DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105429

Abstract (EN): The increase of antibiotic resistance calls for alternatives to control Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium associated with various gastric diseases. Bacteriophages (phages) can be highly effective in the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. Here, we developed a method to identify prophages in H. pylori genomes aiming at their future use in therapy. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique tested five primer pairs on 74 clinical H. pylori strains. After the PCR screening, 14 strains most likely to carry prophages were fully sequenced. After that, a more holistic approach was taken by studying the complete genome of the strains. This study allowed us to identify 12 intact prophage sequences, which were then characterized concerning their morphology, virulence, and antibiotic-resistance genes. To understand the variability of prophages, a phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of all H. pylori phages reported to date was performed. Overall, we increased the efficiency of identifying complete prophages to 54.1 %. Genes with homology to potential virulence factors were identified in some new prophages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship among H. pylori-phages, although there are phages with different geographical origins. This study provides a deeper understanding of H. pylori-phages, providing valuable insights into their potential use in therapy. © The Authors

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific