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Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
09:51

Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans

Published on: September 14, 2019

Lytic bacteriophages ofStreptococcus mutans

A L Delisle1, C A Rostkowski

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland at Baltimore, 21201, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Current Microbiology
|July 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Three novel bacteriophages (M102, e10, f1) infecting Streptococcus mutans were characterized. These lytic phages exhibit distinct host ranges but share significant genomic similarities, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Streptococcus mutans is a primary agent of dental caries.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and can be used to target specific bacterial strains.
  • Understanding phage-host interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize novel bacteriophages targeting Streptococcus mutans.
  • To investigate the host range, genomic features, and evolutionary relationships of these phages.

Main Methods:

  • Phage isolation and plaque assays on various Streptococcus mutans serotypes.
  • Electron microscopy for phage morphology.
  • DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, and Southern blot hybridization.
  • Analysis of genome size and base composition.

Main Results:

  • Three strictly lytic phages (M102, e10, f1) were identified, each with a specific host range (serotypes c, e, f, respectively).
  • Phage sensitivity was not linked to plasmid presence in serotypes c and e.
  • Phages demonstrated successful adsorption and replication despite host-produced extracellular polysaccharides (mutan).
  • Phages shared similar morphology (icosahedral heads, long noncontractile tails) and genome characteristics (linear dsDNA, 31-35 kb, 37-38% G+C).
  • Restriction fragment patterns and DNA hybridization revealed significant sequence homology among the three phages, particularly between M102 and e10, and e10 and f1.

Conclusions:

  • The characterized Streptococcus mutans phages are morphologically and genetically similar, suggesting a common ancestor.
  • These phages represent potential candidates for phage therapy against Streptococcus mutans infections.
  • Extracellular mutan does not impede phage activity, highlighting their potential efficacy in the oral environment.

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