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Prophages and satellite prophages are widespread in Streptococcus and may play a role in pneumococcal pathogenesis

Abstract:
Prophages (viral genomes integrated within a host bacterial genome) can confer various phenotypic traits to their hosts, such as enhanced pathogenicity. Here we analyse >1300 genomes of 70 different Streptococcus species and identify nearly 800 prophages and satellite prophages (prophages that do not encode their own structural components but rely on the bacterial host and another helper prophage for survival). We show that prophages and satellite prophages are widely distributed among streptococci in a structured manner, and constitute two distinct entities with little effective genetic exchange between them. Cross-species transmission of prophages is not uncommon. Furthermore, a satellite prophage is associated with virulence in a mouse model of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Our findings highlight the potential importance of prophages in streptococcal biology and pathogenesis.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1038/s41467-019-12825-y

Authors

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
Medical Sciences Division
Department:
NDM Experimental Medicine
Role:
Author
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-0803-2755
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
NDM Experimental Medicine
Oxford college:
St Catherine's College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-2329-1934


Publisher:
Nature Research
Journal:
Nature Communications More from this journal
Volume:
10
Article number:
4852
Publication date:
2019-10-24
Acceptance date:
2019-09-27
DOI:
EISSN:
2041-1723


Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:1024650
UUID:
uuid:8329943e-ee5e-4657-8e91-32698b6bda8a
Local pid:
pubs:1024650
Source identifiers:
1024650
Deposit date:
2019-10-20
ARK identifier:

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