Complete genome sequence of three novel Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli lytic phages.

This project reports the complete genome sequences of three novel lytic bacteriophages, L73, PG3 and A4.3, isolated from dairy farm environments in Argentina. The phages infect Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), an important foodborne pathogen associated with cattle and dairy production systems. All three genomes lack genes associated with lysogeny, bacterial virulence factors, or antibiotic resistance, supporting their strictly lytic nature and their potential application as biocontrol agents against STEC in food production environments.