Fletchervirus is a genus of virus of the familyConnertonviridae. This genus contains 13 species. Viruses in the genus infect bacteria of the genus Campylobacter.[1]Fletchervirus like most bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) are harmless to humans and thus have no antiviral drugs associated with them. They can be found worldwide and just like most bacteriophage species are found in almost all ecological environments including humans.[2]
Fletchervirus differs from its sibling (Firehammervirus) genus morphologically. Members of the genus have heads with a larger diameter and tails that are far shorter. For example, the species Fletchervirus CP81 in the Fletchervirus genus has a head with 96nm diameter, and a 97nm long tail, whereas Campylobacter virus CP220 in the Firehammervirus genus has a head with a 93nm diameter and a 140nm long tail.[2][3]
Genetically, members of Fletchervirus have a smaller genome that codes for less proteins, they dsDNA is also permuted circularly. Whereas, members of Firehammervirus have a larger genome with more proteins and a liner permuted dsDNA complex. For example, Fletchervirus CP81 has a genome of 132kb that codes for 149 proteins versus Campylobacter virus CP220 that has a genome 197kb that codes for 257 proteins.[2][3]
Host and phage therapy
Campylobacter is a[genus of Gram-negative bacteria. It is found mostly in raw meats, and if consumed can be a terrible pathogen for humans often causing diarrhea, cramps, fever and pain. Bacteriophage therapy is a growing research field, particularly in many species of Campylobacter. Fletcherviruses have been specifically and promisingly tested for medical use to fight strands of antibiotic resistantCampylobacter.[4][5][6]
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