Phikmvvirus is a genus of viruses that infect bacteria. There are currently 16 species in this genus including the type species Pseudomonas virus phiKMV.[1][2] Bacteriophage phiKMV[3] and its relatives are known to be highly virulent phages, producing large (3–15 mm (0.12–0.59 in) diameter) clear plaques on a susceptible host.[4][5] The only reported exception is phage LKA1, which yields small plaques (1 mm (0.039 in)) surrounded by a halo. While all other P. aeruginosa-specific phikmvviruses use the Type IV pili as primary receptor, LKA1 particles attach to the bacterial lipopolysaccharide layer.
The following species are recognized:[2]
Electron microscopic imaging of purified phage particles revealed these phages as typical members of the Podoviridae, with a head diameter of approximately 60 nm (2.4×10−6 in) and a stubby tail with a length of 8–10 nm. Although phiKMV phage resembles the well-studied podovirus T7 in overall genome architecture, it was the first known T7-like phage which encoded a single-subunit RNA polymerase gene downstream its DNA metabolism genes instead of in the early genomic region. Based on these properties, the genus Phikmvvirus is classified within the Autographiviridae.[6]
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by absorption into the host cell. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by lysis, and holin/endolysin/spanin proteins. Bacteria serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion.[1]
Phikmvvirus is a genus of viruses that infect bacteria. There are currently 16 species in this genus including the type species Pseudomonas virus phiKMV. Bacteriophage phiKMV and its relatives are known to be highly virulent phages, producing large (3–15 mm (0.12–0.59 in) diameter) clear plaques on a susceptible host. The only reported exception is phage LKA1, which yields small plaques (1 mm (0.039 in)) surrounded by a halo. While all other P. aeruginosa-specific phikmvviruses use the Type IV pili as primary receptor, LKA1 particles attach to the bacterial lipopolysaccharide layer.
