In vivo lysogenic conversion of Tox(-) Streptococcus pyogenes to Tox(+) with Lysogenic Streptococci or free phage.
Temperate bacteriophage can transfer toxin-encoding genes between bacteria, often resulting in acquired pathogenicity. However, little is known regarding the effects of the eukaryotic host on the phage-pathogen interaction. Using Streptococcus pyogenes as a model, we demonstrate, both in vitro and in vivo, that the eukaryote mediates the efficient induction of toxin-encoding temperate phage and the resultant conversion of Tox(-) flora to Tox(+). Furthermore, we show that both phage induction and subsequent conversion need not happen in the same mammalian host, as host-to-host phage transmission can result in toxigenic conversion within the secondary host. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that the eukaryotic host serves as an essential component in the phage-mediated evolution of virulence within the microbial population.
Broudy
Thomas B
TB
Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Fischetti
Vincent A
VA
D000818:Animals; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000235:genetics*; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D008242:Lysogeny; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000821:virology*
D001427:Bacterial Toxins