Sampson, H. R. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

Characterisation of novel bacteriophages against the cattle pathogen Moraxella bovis

BackgroundInfectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis is the most important cattle ocular disease worldwide. The infection is primarily caused by Moraxella bovis and is a highly contagious disease that significantly affects cattle welfare. Currently, antibiotic medication is the primary treatment for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. However, with rising concerns over antibiotic resistance, we propose developing a more targeted therapeutic strategy using bacteriophages (phages). Materials and MethodsWe have isolated the first known Moraxella bovis phages, characterised them according to their genome sequence, local virulence index and with transmission electron microscopy. The host ranges were assessed using 41 clinical M. bovis strains isolated from infected cows. ResultsFour phages were isolated and characterised. Comparative analysis identified a high degree of genomic similarity between the phages MB15, MB16, MB26 and MB43. MB43 was the most distinct, with the smallest host range phenotype. ConclusionsThe isolated phages show therapeutic potential for further development against Moraxella infections.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Air pollution modifies key colonization factors of the beneficial bee gut symbiont Snodgrassella alvi and disrupts the bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) gut microbiome.

Air pollution is the worlds largest environmental health risk. Particulate pollutants, a major component of air pollution, are detrimental to human health and a significant risk to wildlife and ecosystems globally. Black carbon, a by-product of fossil fuel and biomass burning, is a key constituent of air pollution with levels continuing to increase worldwide. Here we describe the effects of black carbon on the beneficial gut microbiome of an important global insect pollinator, the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). Our data shows that exposure to black carbon particulates alters the biofilm structure, gene expression and initial adhesion of beneficial bee gut coloniser, Snodgrassella alvi in vitro. Additionally, our results show that black carbon disrupts adult Bombus terrestris gut microbiome composition, a vital component to bee health. Exposure to black carbon increased bees viable gut bacteria and significantly altered the abundance of beneficial core bacteria Gilliamella and Bombilactobacillus in the microbiome. These findings demonstrate that exposure to black carbon air pollution has direct, measurable effects on bees beneficial gut commensal bacteria and microbiome. Together these data highlight that particulate pollutants are an underexplored risk for the health of insect pollinators.

microbiology↗