Identification and Genomic Characterization of a Novel Teseptimavirus Species (vB_EcoP_S37A) and a Mosigvirus Phage (vB_EcoM_S37) Infecting Swine Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli
TL;DR
This study discovered two viruses—called bacteriophages—that specifically kill harmful Escherichia coli bacteria from pig farm wastewater, and one of these viruses represents a completely new species never described before, expanding the understanding of viral diversity in nature.
Abstract
Simple Summary Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing threat in pig farming, making infections harder to treat. This study discovered two viruses—called bacteriophages—that specifically kill harmful Escherichia coli bacteria from pig farm wastewater. Importantly, one of these viruses represents a completely new species never described before, expanding our understanding of viral diversity in nature. The same virus also produces a clear halo around its plaques, suggesting it may use an unusual mechanism to break through bacterial cell walls—a feature that offers new insights into how viruses interact with their hosts. The two viruses, despite attacking the same bacterium, show very different strategies: one has a larger genome and can infect many E. coli strains, while the other has a smaller, more streamlined genome and a much narrower host range. This contrast provides a unique opportunity to study how viruses evolve to balance speed, efficiency, and host adaptability. Both viruses are safe, stable, and do not carry resistance genes or toxins. Their complementary properties make them promising candidates for developing alternative treatments against drug-resistant infections in pigs, while also serving as valuable tools for basic phage research.