Targeted deletion of Pf prophages from diverse Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates impacts quorum sensing and virulence traits

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen. Filamentous Pf phages often integrate into its chromosome, affecting behavior. While prior work has focused on Pf4 and PAO1, this study investigates diverse Pf strains in clinical isolates. A simple method targeting pfiM (PA0718), the Pf integration maintenance gene, effectively eliminates Pf prophages from clinical isolates. The research evaluates the impact Pf prophages have on quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and virulence phenotypes. This work introduces a valuable tool to eliminate Pf prophages from clinical isolates and advances our understanding of P. aeruginosa and filamentous Pf phage interactions.