Human Phageprints: A high-resolution exploration of oral phages reveals globally-distributed phage families with individual-specific and temporally-s…

2019

AbstractMetagenomic studies have revolutionized the study of novel phages. However these studies trade the depth of coverage for breadth. In this study we show that the targeted sequencing of a phage genomic region as small as 200-300 base pairs, can provide sufficient sequence diversity to serve as an individual-specific barcode or “Phageprint”. The targeted approach reveals a high-resolution view of phage communities that is not available through metagenomic datasets. By creating instructional videos and collection kits, we enabled citizen scientists to gather ∼700 oral samples spanning ∼100 individuals residing in different parts of the world. In examining phage communities at 6 differen…