Isolation and Genomic Characterization of Two Lytic Cutibacterium acnes Phages Defines Two Novel Pahexavirus Species

Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents for managing acne vulgaris caused by <i>Cutibacterium acnes</i>, particularly given increasing antibiotic resistance. Here, we isolated and characterized two lytic <i>Cutibacterium</i> phages, NS-ph1 and NS-ph2, from acne lesions. Both bacteriophages exhibited a broad lytic spectrum, with a high activity against 27 <i>C. acnes</i> strains. Adsorption assays indicated rapid attachment and one-step growth experiments revealed latent periods of 4 h (NS-ph1) and 2 h (NS-ph2) and burst sizes of 70 and 59 PFU per infected cell, respectively. After long-term storage at room temperature, both phages retained infectivity for 3 months. Genome sequencing revealed linear dsDNA genomes of 29,490 bp (NS-ph1) and 29,189 bp (NS-ph2) with 51 and 46 predicted ORFs, respectively, and no tRNAs. No genes associated with lysogeny, toxins, or antibiotic resistance were detected. Comparative genomics placed both phages within the genus <i>Pahexavirus</i>. Together, these data expand the diversity of <i>Pahexavirus</i> and provide two well-characterized lytic candidates for further evaluation in anti-acne phage therapy.