Genomic Characterization of a Prophage, Smhb1, That Infects BNH Isolated from a Namib Desert Saline Spring.

Recent years have seen the classification and reclassification of many viruses related to the model enterobacterial phage P2. Here, we report the identification of a prophage (Smhb1) that infects BNH isolated from a Namib Desert salt pan (playa). Analysis of the genome revealed that it showed the greatest similarity to P2-like phages that infect species and showed no relation to any of the previously described -infecting phages. Despite being distantly related to these Vibrio infecting phages and sharing the same modular gene arrangement as seen in most P2-like viruses, the nucleotide identity to its closest relatives suggest that, for now, Smhb1 is the lone member of the genus . Although host range testing was not extensive and no secondary host could be identified for Smhb1, genomic evidence suggests that the phage is capable of infecting other species, including DV isolated from the same playa. Taken together, the analysis presented here demonstrates how adaptable the P2 phage model can be.