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Genetically modified filamentous phage as bactericidal agents: a pilot study
Author(s) -
Hagens S.,
Bläsi U.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2003.01400.x
Subject(s) - lytic cycle , escherichia coli , bacteriophage , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , phagemid , genetically engineered , phage therapy , phage display , lysin , bacteria , genetically modified organism , lysis , temperateness , gene , virology , genetics , virus , antibody
Aims: To evaluate the ability of a filamentous phage encoding lethal proteins to kill bacteria without host‐cell lysis. Methods and Results: Bacterial survival was determined after infection of a growing Escherichia coli culture with phage M13 encoding either the restriction endonuclease Bgl II gene or modified phage λ S holin genes. The genetically engineered phage exerted a high killing efficiency while leaving the cells structurally intact. When compared with a lytic phage, the release of endotoxin was minimized after infection with the genetically modified phages. Conclusions: Genetically engineered phage can be used for efficient killing, concomitantly minimizing endotoxin release. Significance and Impact of the Study: This feasibility study provides a possible strategy for the use of genetically engineered phage as bactericidal agents by optimizing the advantages and minimizing potential risks such as release of pyrogenic cell wall components.