Lysogenic conversion and phage resistance development in phage exposed Escherichia coli biofilms

Viruses. 2013 Jan 11;5(1):150-61. doi: 10.3390/v5010150.

Abstract

In this study, three-day old mature biofilms of Escherichia coli were exposed once to either a temperate Shiga-toxin encoding phage (H-19B) or an obligatory lytic phage (T7), after which further dynamics in the biofilm were monitored. As such, it was found that a single dose of H-19B could rapidly lead to a near complete lysogenization of the biofilm, with a subsequent continuous release of infectious H-19B particles. On the other hand, a single dose of T7 rapidly led to resistance development in the biofilm population. Together, our data indicates a profound impact of phages on the dynamics within structured bacterial populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / genetics
  • Bacteriophages / physiology*
  • Biofilms*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / physiology
  • Escherichia coli / virology*
  • Lysogeny*
  • Shiga Toxin / genetics
  • Shiga Toxin / metabolism
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Viral Proteins
  • Shiga Toxin