Global phage diversity

Cell. 2003 Apr 18;113(2):141. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00276-9.

Abstract

Ten new mycobacteriophage genomes presented by show that most phage diversity remains uncharacterized. Extrapolation suggests that less than 0.0002% of the global phage metagenome has been sampled. The new genomes also contain a number of potential virulence factors that may be important in pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Bacteria / virology*
  • Bacteriophages / genetics*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / genetics
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / genetics
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Viral