Virus-Like Particle Production in Atmospheric Eubacteria Isolates

A high prevalence of virus-like particle (VLP) production was found in eubacterial isolates collected from various altitudes, including the atmosphere of Carlsbad Cavern National Park. The study, which analyzed 92.7% of isolates showing inducible VLP counts, demonstrated that atmospheric bacteria resistant to transport play a significant role in long-range dispersion of VLPs, potentially enhancing microbial evolution rates. Researchers used mitomycin C and epifluorescent direct counts to screen isolates from diverse locations, including ground level, mid-Atlantic ridge, continental United States, Pacific Ocean, and Carlsbad Cavern.

Teigell-Perez, N., Gonzalez-Martin, C., Valladares, B., Smith, D. J., & Griffin, D. W. (2019). Virus-Like Particle Production in Atmospheric Eubacteria Isolates. Atmosphere, 10(7), 417. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos10070417