Detection and characterization of Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophages by use of the antireceptor gene sequence.

ABSTRACT: In the dairy industry, the characterization of Streptococcus thermophilus phage types is very important for the selection and use of efficient starter cultures. The aim of this study was to develop a characterization system useful in phage control programs in dairy plants. A comparative study of phages of different origins was initially performed based on their morphology, DNA restriction profiles, DNA homology, structural proteins, packaging mechanisms, and lifestyles and on the presence of a highly conserved DNA fragment of the replication module. However, these traditional criteria were of limited industrial value, mainly because there appeared to be no correlation between these variables and host ranges. We therefore developed a PCR method to amplify VR2, a variable region of the antir

SUBMITTER: Binetti AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1265960 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature