coliphages
Coliphages are viruses that infect bacteria, specifically those belonging to the genus Escherichia (E. coli). The name "coliphage" is derived from "E. coli" and the Greek word "phagein," meaning "to eat," reflecting their ability to lyse or destroy host bacteria. They are a type of bacteriophage, a broad category of viruses that target bacteria.
Coliphages are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found in soil, sewage, and the intestinal tracts of animals,
Structurally, coliphages vary widely but often possess a distinct head-tail morphology. The head contains the viral
The life cycle of a coliphage typically involves adsorption to the bacterial cell surface, penetration of the
Coliphages have significant applications in various fields. They are used as indicators of microbial water quality