Scientists have identified a new species of bacteriophage on Franz Josef Land that targets E. coli bacteria. This virus, belonging to the Kagunavirus genus, was discovered in soil samples collected beneath a bird colony. Artemy Goncharov, head of the Biological Threat Monitoring Laboratory at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, informed TASS that members of this genus are resilient to environmental stresses and can attack multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli. As a result, these viruses are being considered as potential candidates for biocontrol in medicine and agriculture. The selection of soil under bird colonies was intentional. Birds may carry A-PEC strains of E. coli, which rarely cause illness in humans but are closely related to bacterial variants found in hospitals. The scientists reasoned that natural antagonists of these microorganisms—bacteriophages—would likely be present nearby.
Researchers speculate that phages capable of targeting avian E. coli strains could prove valuable in combating related bacteria responsible for cystitis or septic conditions. However, laboratory tests showed that the newly discovered bacteriophage was not active against clinical isolates of E. coli. This finding highlights that the Arctic may harbor viruses with potential for developing antibacterial agents. Scientists are optimistic about finding related phages with stronger therapeutic or biotechnological applications. The search is ongoing during the Arctic Floating University expedition in the Barents Sea region, near Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land.
Source: https://sciencexxi.com/novyy-virus-nashli-v-pochve-sformirovannoy-pometom-koloniy-morskih-ptits-v-arktike/
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