Complete genome analysis of the newly isolated Vibrio phage vB_VpP_WS1 of the family Microviridae

Here, we describe the characterization and genome annotation of the newly isolated lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus phage vB_VpP_WS1, isolated from sewage samples collected in Qingdao, China. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that vB_VpP_WS1 is about 22 nm in size and that the virions are isometric, likely icosahedral, particles similar to those of members of the Microviridae. The digestion patterns of phage nucleic acids and whole-genome sequencing analysis together revealed that phage vB_VpP_WS1 has a single-stranded DNA genome of 5564 nt. Eight open reading frames were identified, only four of which could be annotated. The proteins of vB_VpP_WS1 displayed low sequence similarity to their homologs encoded by other microviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the major capsid protein suggested that vB_VpP_WS1 is a tentative new member of the family Microviridae.

Automated summary

We describe the characteristics and genome annotation of a newly isolated lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus phage vB_VpP_WS1, which was isolated from sewage samples collected in Qingdao, China. Through transmission electron microscopy, vB_VpP_WS1 was found to be about 22 nm in size and had isometric, likely icosahedral, particles similar to those of Microviridae members. The digestion patterns of phage nucleic acids and whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that vB_VpP_WS1 has a single-stranded DNA genome of 5564 nt. Eight open reading frames were identified, with only four of them being annotated. The protein sequences of vB_VpP_WS1 showed low similarity to those of other microviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the major capsid protein suggested that vB_VpP_WS1 is a tentative new member of the Microviridae family.