Mapping coliphage diversity for next-generation drinking water security through the nanopore lens | LC 25
Biography
Rachel Samson P. is a research fellow at the Cranfield Water Science Institute, specializing in microbiology. Her PhD focused on the Ganges River microbiome, exploring microbial diversity, resistome, and bacteriophage isolation for environmental applications. Currently, she is working on metavirome studies and microbial approaches for environmental sustainability of drinking water. She is passionate about developing phage-based solutions for water treatment and actively pursues innovative strategies to improve water quality and safeguard ecosystem health.
Abstract
Somatic coliphages, which infect Escherichia coli and related bacteria, serve as key indicators of faecal contamination and correlate with enteric viruses, making them crucial for microbial surveillance. As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rises globally, understanding coliphage genomic diversity is essential for unravelling AMR transmission dynamics and pathogen behaviour in water systems. In this study, we isolated and sequenced a total of one hundred somatic coliphages from diverse water sources using the next generation, long-read MinION sequencing platform (Oxford Nanopore Technologies). Our research delves into their taxonomic diversity, host specificity, and environmental resilience, while uncovering genetic markers crucial for microbial source tracking and AMR management. By linking coliphage genomic data to enteric viruses, we aim to illuminate the complex interplay of viral contamination risks, providing novel insights into the persistence and spread of pathogens in treated water systems. Additionally, this study would focus on genes associated with phage survival in treated water, which may impact disinfection efficacy. Analysis of AMR genes within coliphages will shed light on their potential role in the transmission of AMR, offering actionable insights for developing robust water safety strategies and refining regulatory frameworks. This pioneering work will establish a baseline for coliphage diversity in UK drinking water systems, advancing water quality monitoring, risk assessment, and treatment optimization. This research aims to establish a roadmap for advancing microbial monitoring and water management practices with significant implications for public health and water security worldwide.