Identification of GtgE, a novel virulence factor encoded on the Gifsy-2 bacteriophage of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

J Bacteriol. 2002 Oct;184(19):5234-9. doi: 10.1128/JB.184.19.5234-5239.2002.

Abstract

The Gifsy-2 temperate bacteriophage of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contributes significantly to the pathogenicity of strains that carry it as a prophage. Previous studies have shown that Gifsy-2 encodes SodCI, a periplasmic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, and at least one additional virulence factor. Gifsy-2 encodes a Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 type III secreted effector protein. Sequence analysis of the Gifsy-2 genome also identifies several open reading frames with homology to those of known virulence genes. However, we found that null mutations in these genes did not individually have a significant effect on the ability of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium to establish a systemic infection in mice. Using deletion analysis, we have identified a gene, gtgE, which is necessary for the full virulence of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium Gifsy-2 lysogens. Together, GtgE and SodCI account for the contribution of Gifsy-2 to S. enterica serovar Typhimurium virulence in the murine model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Escherichia coli Proteins*
  • Female
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mutation
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / microbiology
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / physiopathology*
  • Salmonella Phages / genetics*
  • Salmonella typhimurium / genetics
  • Salmonella typhimurium / pathogenicity*
  • Salmonella typhimurium / virology
  • Superoxide Dismutase / genetics
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virulence / genetics

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • sodC protein, E coli