Putative Pseudolysogeny-Dependent Phage Gene Implicated in the Superinfection Resistance of Cutibacterium acnes

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBacteriophage therapy is a promising option to minimize the risk of treatment-associated antibiotic resistance in Cutibacterium acnes. A novel phage (Aquarius) was isolated and analyzed to explore characteristics of C. acnes phages that may confer lysis-evasion properties.Materials and MethodsPhage superinfection resistance assays were performed with a range of C. acnes phages, which were assayed for pseudolysogeny via phage release assays and episome PCR. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR were used to identify candidate genes related to observed phenotypes.ResultsAssay findings indicated that infected C. acnes strains were broadly resistant to superinfection and were capable of forming stable pseudolysogens. A conserved Ltp family-like gene contained protein signatures which may be contributing to phage-mediated superinfection resistance in a pseudolysogeny-dependent manner.ConclusionsC. acnes bacteria are capable of harboring phage pseudolysogens, and this phenomenon may result in superinfection resistance, necessitating consideration in targeting optimization of C. acnes phage-based therapy.