New Bacteriophages with Podoviridal Morphotypes Active against Yersinia pestis: Characterization and Application Potential

Phages of highly pathogenic bacteria represent an area growing interest for bacterial detection and identification subspecies typing, as well phage therapy environmental decontamination. Eight new phages—YpEc56, YpEc56D, YpEc57, YpEe58, YpEc1, YpEc2, YpEc11, YpYeO9—expressing lytic activity towards Yersinia pestis revealed a virion morphology consistent with the Podoviridae morphotype. These phages lyse all 68 strains from 2 different sets Y. isolates, thus limiting their potential application subtyping but making them rather promising in terms infection control. Two phages—YpYeO9 YpEc11—were selected detailed studies based on source isolation cross other Enterobacteriaceae. The full genome sequencing demonstrated virulent nature phages. Phage YpYeO9 was identified member Teseptimavirus genus YpEc11 Helsettvirus genus, thereby representing species. A challenge assay liquid microcosm YpYeO9/YpEc11 mixture showed elimination EV76 during 4 h at P/B ratio 1000:1. results, combination high lysis stability results culture, low frequency formation resistant mutants, viability under physical–chemical factors indicate practical use antibacterial mean.