Abstract
Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen of concern in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients and is considered one of the most drug-resistant mycobacteria. The majority of clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates carry 1 or more prophages that are hypothesized to contribute to virulence and bacterial fitness. The prophage McProf was identified in the genome of the Bergey strain of Mycobacterium chelonae and is distinct from previously described prophages of Mycobacterium abscessus. The McProf genome increases intrinsic antibiotic resistance of Mycobacterium chelonae and drives expression of the intrinsic antibiotic resistance gene, whiB7, when superinfected by a second phage. The prevalence of McProf-like genomes was determined in sequenced mycobacterial genomes. Related prophage genomes were identified in the genomes of 25 clinical isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus and assigned to the novel cluster, MabR. They share less than 10% gene content with previously described prophages; however, they share features typical of prophages, including polymorphic toxin-immunity systems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
