[Biological and physicochemical properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae B (Freeman) phages phi 984 and phi 9]

A scheme for preparative isolation of corynephages and their DNA is described. Study of host specificity, toxigenicity, and of cytotoxic effect induced by the phages BF, phi 9, and phi 984 has shown that phage BF has tox- phenotype, and phages phi 9 and phi 984, tox+ phenotype. These phages differ in host specificity and plaque morphology. Electron-microscopic examination of virions showed similarity of phages BF and phi 984 structures, whereas phage phi 9 was markedly different in the size of its head and tail.