Complete genome sequence of Zindervirus phage vB_SenAt-pSL2 infecting Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis from Korean broiler chickens

Abstract

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis is a major food-borne pathogen responsible for severe economic loss in the poultry industry. We report the complete genome sequence of the novel bacteriophage (phage) vB_SenAt-pSL2 infecting Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis KCTC 82777 isolated from Korean broiler chickens. The genome comprised a linear double-stranded DNA of 44,304 bp with 47.4% G + C content and 54 ORFs. Genome-based comparison revealed that the phage was closely related to Zindervirus and distinguished by having the largest genome in the genus. The high nucleotide similarity of the predicted tail fiber and spike proteins in vB_SenAt-pSL2 with other broad-host-range phages in Zindervirus suggests its potential to infect diverse Salmonella serotypes. Based on these results, the newly isolated Salmonella phage vB_SenAt-pSL2 is a new member of the genus Zindervirus and its genomic information provides insights into the biodiversity and taxonomy of Autographiviridae.