Isolation of Bacteriophages from Soil Samples in a Poorly Equipped Field Laboratory in Kruger National Park

Ayesha Hassim; Kgaugelo Edward Lekota

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-3549-0_5

Isolation of Bacteriophages from Soil Samples in a Poorly Equipped Field Laboratory in Kruger National Park

Methods Mol Biol. 2024:2738:91-103. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3549-0_5.

Authors

Ayesha Hassim¹, Kgaugelo Edward Lekota²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veterinary Tropical Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
² Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Microbiology, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

PMID: 37966593
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3549-0_5

Abstract

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. Bacteriophages are ubiquitous and are the most abundant organisms on the planet. Despite this, very little is known about the influence and effect of bacteriophages within terrestrial environments. Additionally, the natural soil microbiome profiles remain largely unexplored. Here we describe protocols that can be used, in field or rural laboratories containing only basic equipment, to make bacteriophage isolation more accessible and to facilitate such research.

Keywords: Bacillus spp; Bacteriophage isolation; Field laboratory techniques; Soil microbiome; Spore-forming bacteria.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Bacteriophages*
Laboratories
Microbiota*
Parks, Recreational
Soil

Substances

Soil