Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a key causative agent of multidrug resistant nosocomial infections. Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative treatment, but the diversity of Klebsiella species requires the characterisation of a broad range of phages, particularly the poorly characterised jumbo phages. Materials and Methods Phage BMCPR_005026 was isolated from sewage against Klebsiella pneumoniae . Whole genome sequencing, transmission electron microscopy and host range analysis against a diverse set of 40 clinically relevant Klebsiella strains were used to characterise the phage. Results The virion had a myovirus morphology and genomic analysis placed it within an undefined family in Caudoviricetes where it forms a new species within the genus Alcyoneusvirus . BMCPR_005026 could form plaques on 3 of the 40 Klebsiella strains tested (7.5%) and formed halos. Conclusion BMCPR_005026 represents a new species of phage within the genus Alcyoneusvirus with activity against 3 Klebsiella KL-types.
Institution: University of Leicester
Language: English
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215028219