For Students : Salmonella Phage 9NA Characteristics

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Salmonella Phage 9NA Characteristics

Introduction to Salmonella Phage 9NA

Salmonella phage 9NA, also known as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium bacteriophage 9NA or Enterobacteriophage 9NA, is a bacteriophage that specifically targets and infects Salmonella bacteria. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria and can be highly specific to certain strains, making them useful tools in microbiology, food safety, and medical research.



Taken from : https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.00848-19
Here is an electronic micrographe representative of the Salmonella9na phage, highlighting its icosaedrical head (about 60nm in diameter) and its long non-contractile tail typical of siphovirus.

Characteristics and Genomics

Salmonella phage 9NA is classified as a member of the Podoviridae family, characterized by its small size and short, non-contractile tail. The genome of Salmonella phage 9NA consists of double-stranded DNA, and studies have shown that it has a high degree of specificity for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, a common cause of foodborne illness in humans. The phage's ability to target and lyse Salmonella bacteria makes it a potential candidate for phage therapy and biocontrol applications.

Applications in Phage Therapy and Biocontrol

The use of bacteriophages like Salmonella phage 9NA as therapeutic agents or biocontrol agents has gained significant attention in recent years. Phage therapy involves the use of phages to treat bacterial infections, offering a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics, especially in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the context of food safety, phages can be used to reduce the contamination of food products by pathogens like Salmonella. For example, applying phages to poultry or livestock can decrease the carriage of Salmonella, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to humans through the food chain.

Research and Development

Research on Salmonella phage 9NA and other bacteriophages is ongoing, with scientists exploring their potential in various applications, including:

  • Phage therapy: Investigating the efficacy and safety of phage therapy in treating bacterial infections in humans and animals.
  • Biocontrol: Developing strategies for the use of phages in reducing bacterial contamination in food production and processing environments.
  • Genomic studies: Analyzing the genomic sequences of phages to understand their evolution, host range, and mechanisms of infection.

References:

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