Data from an evolution experiment with Vibrio bacteria and filamentous phages

Infections by filamentous phages influence bacterial fitness in various ways. While phage-encoded accessory genes, e.g., virulence genes, can be highly beneficial, the production of viral particles is energetically costly and often reduces bacterial growth. Consequently, if costs outweigh benefits, bacteria evolve resistance which can shorten phage epidemics. Abiotic conditions are known to influence the net-fitness effect for infected bacteria. Their impact on the dynamics and trajectories of host resistance evolution, however, remains yet unknown.