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A note on the isolation and propagation of lytic phages from Streptococcus uberis and their potential for strain
Abstract:
Thirty-eight of 98 strains of Streptococcus uberis were shown to be carrying lysogenic phage. Although propagating strains were rare, host modification by field strains sensitive to phage was used to increase the lytic spectra. When 120 nationally-collected strains were challenged with 25 phages, selected on the basis of differing lytic spectra and propagating strains, 30% were susceptible to at least one phage, increasing to 42% when 480 strains from a single farm were considered. A typing system based on susceptibility to lytic phage was considered feasible.
Insights
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, were found in Streptococcus uberis strains. A new phage typing system shows potential for identifying these mastitis-causing bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Viral Ecology
Background:
- Streptococcus uberis is a significant cause of bovine mastitis.
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and have potential applications in bacterial identification and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of lysogenic phages in Streptococcus uberis strains.
- To evaluate the feasibility of developing a phage-based typing system for Streptococcus uberis.
Main Methods:
- Screening of Streptococcus uberis strains for lysogenic phage carriage.
- Isolation and characterization of phages with differing lytic spectra.
- Host modification techniques to broaden phage lytic activity.
- Challenging national and farm-specific Streptococcus uberis collections with selected phages.
Main Results:
- Lysogenic phages were detected in 38% of 98 Streptococcus uberis strains.
- Phage susceptibility varied, with 30% of nationally collected strains and 42% of farm-specific strains susceptible to at least one phage.
- Host modification enhanced the lytic spectra of available phages.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of Streptococcus uberis strains carry lysogenic phages.
- Phage typing is a feasible method for differentiating Streptococcus uberis strains, aiding in epidemiological studies and potentially in mastitis control strategies.