Complete genome sequence of the bacteriophage vB_EfeM-pEP20 infecting Escherichia fergusonii, a new member of the genus Felixounavirus

Abstract

Escherichia fergusonii as an opportunistic pathogen, poses a potential risk to food safety. Although bacteriophages have been considered biocontrol agents against pathogens, phages infecting E. fergusonii have rarely been investigated. Thus, we report the complete genome sequence of a newly isolated phage vB_EfeM-pEP20 that infects E. fergusonii. The sequenced phage genome was 88,675 bp in length with 38.9% G + C content, encoding 132 ORFs. Genome-based phylogeny revealed that the isolated phage clustered together with the genus Felixounavirus and possessed a distinct feature in its DNA packaging system. Therefore, the genetic information will provide essential insights into the biodiversity of Escherichia phages. © 2023, The Microbiological Society of Korea