The complete nucleotide sequence of the Vibrio harveyi bacteriophage VHML.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the bacteriophage VHML and establish a hypothesis for the virulence conversion caused by VHML infection of Vibrio harveyi.


RESULTS
The complete nucleotide sequence of VHML was determined (43,193 bp) and used to identify putative genes. The translated products of these genes were compared with reported sequences to assign hypothetical functions. All anticipated structural genes and putative genes for lysogeny were identified. In addition, we found a complete N6-adenine methyltransferase (Dam) gene that appeared to have an essential site for ADP-ribosylating toxins at the C-terminal of the translated product.


CONCLUSIONS
Virulence conversion of V. harveyi by VHML may be associated with Dam transcriptional regulation. The Dam gene may also encode for a toxin component similar to ADP-ribosylating toxins.


CONCLUSIONS
This manuscript lays the foundation for understanding the virulence of toxin-producing V. harveyi. Further research into aspects discussed here will lead to a greater comprehension regarding the invertebrate disease vibriosis and its control in the farming of these animals.
Oakey
H J
HJ
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia. jane.oakey@dpi.qld.gov.au
Cullen
B R
BR
Owens
L
L
D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001483:Base Sequence; D016679:Genome, Viral; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D014169:Transformation, Bacterial; D014733:Vibrio / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000821:virology*; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics
D001427:Bacterial Toxins