Project description:Microbial virulence is known to emerge by horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Here we describe the discovery of a novel filamentous prophage, designated CUS-1, which is integrated into the chromosomal dif homologue of the high-virulence clone Escherichia coli O18:K1:H7. An homologous chromosomal element (CUS-2) in Yersinia pestis biovar orientalis is integrated at the same relative location as CUS-1; both lysogenic E. coli and Y. pestis strains produce particles with properties expected of single-stranded DNA virions. CUS(phi) is epidemiologically correlated with the emergence of K1 strains with increased virulence and with the Y. pestis biovar responsible for the current (third) plague pandemic.

| S-EPMC135385 | biostudies-literature

Yersinia pestis biovar Antiqua str. E1979001

Project description:Antiqua biovar of the causative agent of plague

| PRJNA17683 | ENA

Yersinia pestis biovar Mediaevalis str. K1973002

Project description:Mediaevalis biovar of the causative agent of plague

| PRJNA17687 | ENA

Yersinia pestis biovar Antiqua str. B42003004

Project description:Antiqua biovar of the causative agent of plague

| PRJNA17685 | ENA

Yersinia pestis biovar Orientalis str. India 195

Project description:Strain from India