Isolation and Genomic Characterization of a Lytic Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Bacteriophage (S2EK)

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a foodborne pathogen, and lytic phages may provide targeted biocontrol. Materials and Methods: S2EK was evaluated for host range, replication, broth growth suppression, stability, and genome characteristics. Results: S2EK lysed its isolation host but did not lyse the 11 heterologous ATCC strains representing 10 bacterial species. The optimal multiplicity of infection was 0.1, the latent period was 30 min, and the mean burst size was 366 plaque-forming units per infected cell. It remained infective at pH 6–8 and 40–70°C. The 42,843-bp genome (49.93% G+C) contained 61 coding sequences and no tRNAs. No integrase or excisionase genes, virulence factors, or antimicrobial-resistance determinants were detected. S2EK was assigned to the subfamily Guernseyvirinae , the genus Jerseyvirus , and the species Jerseyvirus celemicas . Conclusions: S2EK is active against its isolation host. Activity against additional Salmonella strains and efficacy in food matrices require investigation.